Cool Carol on song at Spa

Cool Carol on song at Spa

5 July 2017

THE Spa-parazzi were out in force on Friday last when Heather Edgar teed off to officially launch her Lady Captain’s Day.

The junior photographers brought a fun element to a wonderful day and were clearly enjoying themselves as much as the Lady Captain who accepted the diversion with a big smile and typical good grace.

On a day when scoring was quite difficult lady vice-captain Carol Shields carded 38 points to take first prize while Gwyneth Cordner (second) and Sharon Beattie each recorded 34 points on count-back.

In her acceptance speech Carol admitted  she couldn’t believe she had won the first prize and called for a “very large round of applause for the lady captain for a most wonderful day.”

The lady captain said days like these did not just happen. They involved many hours of planning and preparation and she expressed sincere thanks to the small army of members and club officials who had given her so much support and help.

These included the Ladies Committee, lady secretary Denise Cunningham, Patricia Hayes, Catherine Savage, Veronica McCormick, Gillian Earls, competitions and handicap secretary Helen Baxter, lady president Mandy Murphy, bar and catering manager Mark Cadoo and his staff, along with chef Sam and his assistant, Stephen.

Heather also praised the unstinting work of greens convenors Jimmy Kelly and Mike Porter who, with head groundsman Davy Wade and his staff, had the course in magnificent condition.

The lady captain recalled the recent ‘Get Into Golf’ initiative organised by the club professional Gary Wardlow — who he described as a “real asset to Spa Golf Club” — and the lady vice-captain, which had been a great success in recruiting 14 new members. Some of the new members were present for Lady Captain’s Day and Heather made a special point of welcoming them to the event.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported my charity, The Samaritans, today,” she said. “It has been a really wonderful day which I will never forget. Thank you all for making it so special for me.”

Club captain John Brannigan, who presented Heather with a bouquet of flowers on behalf of  the council and office staff, said she was a “fantastic” lady captain who was part of the fabric of Spa Golf Club.

“The amount of  work Heather does every day — and for free — is absolutely amazing. She always has a big smile and keeps us all right. It is a pleasure to have Heather about the place and we are deeply indebted to her,” he said.

Results: 1st Carol Shields (38 points), 2nd Gwyneth Cordner (34 countback), 3rd Sharon Beattie (34).

Gross : Lisa McCavery. Mystery holes competition: Anne O’Prey. Team Captains’ prize - Gillian Earls. Back nine: Doreen Speers. Front nine: Lynsey Martin. Committee prize: Mandy Murphy. Past captains’ prize: Ena Kirkpatrick. Visitors’ and nearest the rope prizes: Lorna Stevenson (Crossgar). Nearest the pin: Kay McGalie (Belvoir).

Gents: 1st Graham Mills, 2nd Brian Higgins, 3rd Jim Smyth.