Dear Members,

It is a pleasure and a privilege for me to be elected as your Captain for 2012.

I am, like so many Captains before me, exited and looking forward to the coming year.

I wish to welcome each and every one of you to the 2012 season, as it is you the members who made Hoylake Golf Club what it is today. Without you I would not be standing here today as the Captain and this is something I will remember for the rest of my life.

I wish to thank Paul G Davies, for nominating me, and all the members of the committee who have given their support and encouragement freely during the past year in preparation for my Captain's year.

Your support as members has been one of encouragement during this period.

The Captain’s Drive–In will be on the 24th March, and I look forward to seeing as many people as possible on the day, I’ll be on the first tee bright and early at 6.40am and again at 9.40am for the late risers. Drinks and snacks will be available for all who attend as is now the tradition.

Like many Captain’s before me I will endeavour to play golf with as many people as possible and in order for me to make this happen, I would like those who are not going to play, to cross their name off the start sheet. Other Club members or myself, could then fill those empty spaces. Weekly start sheets are posted on the locker room notice board some five weeks in advance and Team competitions require four players. Please make every effort to comply.

The Club Day Out this year will be at Childwall Golf Club on the 15th June. I’ve enjoyed all the others and wish for as many members to join me this year at this excellent venue. A notice will be posted on the locker room notice board later in the year giving further details and the cost.

The 14th July sees another competition with our Hoylake Ladies, one where no quarter is given when the Ladies take to the tee. This competition is now played for the Claret Jug, where once this revelry was for an old Carriage Clock. This Clock is still on view in the Club Rooms, and still working.

The Singles and Doubles Knockout competitions will continue as in previous years with the Doubles competition being a Four Ball Better Ball format.

New for this season: The Committee wishes that as many members as possible have the opportunity to play on Finals Weekend and so an additional event will be held this year. This will be a combined Open Stableford competition with Hoylake and West Hoyle members and will be held on Saturday 29th September.

Wirral League matches against other Municipal Clubs will continue this year and as an added bonus, points will be awarded to Hoylake players, with a prize awarded for the most points accumulated.

There is a very active seniors section for those who are over the age 60 and wish to play on Thursdays.

As well as this website, DON’T FORGET TO READ THE LOCKER ROOM NOTICE BOARD where information regarding Club events, entry forms and Competitions are posted for you to read.

I wish you all a very successful and enjoyable season.

Best Wishes

Geoff Hicks

Captain 2012