Having been a member of this club for many years it is without doubt an honour to take on this duty that I have seen carried out so ably by those before me. I consider it my job to represent the interests of the members in the way we organise the golf played by IGC throughout the year. Of course this will mean finding the right balance between a wide variety of preferences as regards how, when and where we play, but the aim is to make sure we provide something to suit everyone. Contrary to your fears I will not be proposing changing the club colours to lime green!

Coming up very soon is the culmination of the 2011 competitive season in the shape of our Club Championship on the weekend of 22/23 October. This is not only a chance for the low handicappers to battle for the prestigious titles of Club Champion in the Mens, Ladies and Seniors categories but there are also daily stableford competitions and a number of special prizes (ensuring however bad the weekend turns out there’s always a chance to bag a prize with one good shot). Please sign up early to aid the organisation of the weekend.

Following our Club Championship there is still plenty of golf to be played leading up to our traditional Closing Cup event on 11th December. Congratulations and good luck to Per Aidemark and Saskia Van Oldenborgh on reaching the Matchplay final which will also be played in the coming weeks.

I leave you with some very personal thoughts on golf. Golf is a haven for me, where others go to a Spa to relax, or meditate to free their mind from the weight and troubles of the world I find this on the course. The joy of a well hit shot, the optimism of attempting a miracle escape, the aggression of a fiercely hit tee-shot, and the frustration of a lipped putt; golf is an emotional outlet free from some of the constraints of normal life. Of course we have to behave within the etiquette and rules of the game but golf can be cathartic, whether it’s your day or not, setting you up for the week ahead, so above all else it should be enjoyed.

I look forward to continuing to enjoy playing with you all each weekend this year and next.

David