Barnard Castle Golf Club
DARREN Pearce said farewell at the weekend after 26 years as the club professional and handed over to ex-Dinsdale Spa and Rockliffe Hall pro Martyn Stubbings.
Darren had a special word of thanks for his partner Shirley Bradshaw. They are shortly to be married after living and working together since Darren took over as pro after serving as assistant to John Harrison for four years.
After a short break they will take over the running of Headlam Hall Golf Club following the departure of their professional, Julie Welch.
Darren explained: “The offer came out of the blue. I was going to have a few months off to get married and recharge the batteries. But after discussions with Headlam I realised it was too good an opportunity to miss.”
He is hoping not to have to put in as many hours, adding: “Our time away from the club during lockdown made us realise there is a wonderful world out there, including family, which we had not totally embraced due to our workload.
“I would like to thank all those members and visitors who have supported us over the years.
“The response I’ve had from the members over the last few weeks has been overwhelming and humbling.
“Finally, a massive thank-you to Shirley, who has supported me all the way. I could not have done this without her.”
They were presented with an inscribed bench, plus flowers for Shirley, by the senior section, with seniors’ captain Mick Gossage saying: “Darren and Shirley have been tremendous servants to the club and we wish them all the best in their next venture.”
The ladies made their own presentation when 20 members turned up on a wet day to hand over a Fit Bit Ionic smart watch fitness tracker, plus Grey Goose vodka and a meal voucher.
They also presented Shirley with a bottle of wine for the wedding celebration.
Darren’s assistant, Peter Hartley, a club member since 2008, is also leaving to become assistant to Richmond’s new professional, the European Tour player Graeme Storm.
Storm, from Hartlepool, has won twice on the Tour but has a temporary exemption because of injury.
Meanwhile he has set up the Graeme Storm Academy based in Richmond’s swing studio.
Stubbings, 38, became the UK’s youngest head professional when he took over at Dinsdale aged 21.
After ten years he moved on to become head of instruction at Rockliffe.
For the second time in the month, 83-year-old Doug Bousfield beat his age when he went round in 81, eight over par, to win a Stableford competition with 45 points. He finished three ahead of Callum Tallentire, with Alan Coulthard third on 41.
It was a good week for Coulthard, who won the Senior Captain’s Cup, decided on each player’s best two scores from three rounds. He already had a nett 65 and 75 in the bag and finished one ahead of Phil Ball, who won the final round with 82-13-69, ahead of Donald Carmichael (84-13-71) and Mike Neville (80-9-71).
Other results
Alternative Stableford: Mike Goldberg 37; Mark Parvin 37; Alan Coulthard 37.
Seniors: Past Captains’ Cup: Peter Holliday 39; Bob Henderson 39; David Raw 37.
Juniors: Stableford: Dylan Pallister 40 pts; James Watson 37; Oliver Welsby 32. Medal: Dylan Pallister 80-13-67; James Watson 91-22-69; Dylan Robson 104-33-71.
Ladies: Medal No 9 and Birbeck No 3: Melody Wade 98-26-72; Kathryn Archer 93-20-73; Pauline Connelly 80-7-73 (overall winner of Birbeck Trophy for three best gross scores)
Balfour Vase (mixed competition): Nick and Sue Seddon 43 pts; Sue Miller and Phil Hartley 42.
