New Fulwell Golf Club club captain Carol Stokes is hoping here year at the helm will be a landmark one for the course.
Stokes officially took up here post on Saturday to be come the first female club captain at the club in its 111-year history.
The former Royal Mail employee joined the club 17 years ago because she wanted to get more fresh air in her retirement and has progress to the extent she plays off a 14 handicap and has hit hole in one.
The Hampton resident turns 70 in the summer and will spend much of her time using her position to try and raise money for chosen charity – the Otakar Kraus Music Trust in Twickenham.
She could be the captain to oversee the return of professional tournament golf to the club, but she will be more than happy if Fulwell enjoys a little more of the feminine touch in 2016.
“I’m very proud to be the first lady to captain the club,” said the 69-year-old last week.
Long standing: Club captain Carol Stokes has been a member at Fulwell Golf Club for 17 years
“I never thought it would happen, but we have finally got equality at our club.
“I would like to get a lot more people playing in the mixed events and get more people playing golf at Fulwell in general.
Women don’t tend to play all that much with the lads here and I want to get more women involved.
“The course is in good condition and we want to make sure that is maintained.”
She added: “It is going to be a busy year because there is a chance we may have a tour event here next summer, plus there will be the usual charity days.”
It is golfing tradition for any player who bags a hole in one to everyone at the club a drink in the bar and Stokes can already tick that box despite only taking up the sport late in life.
“I decided I wanted to get a bit more fresh air and just gave it a try,” she added.
“I wish I had started earlier because I think I would be quite a lot better than I am now.
“I got a hole in one three months ago at the sixth hole here.
“I’m on the club’s hole in one honours board and you are supposed to buy everyone a drink when you do it.
“My round finished quite late so the bar was nearly empty by the time I got back.”
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