THERE was the usual enthusiastic gathering for Farnham Golf Club’s ‘drive-in’ ceremony on Sunday, when members welcomed the new captains onto the course.

Husband-and-wife Colin and Hilary Smith are the 2018 men’s and ladies’ captains, while Archie Walker will lead the junior section.

Drivers were held aloft as members provided the traditional guard of honour for the captains as they advanced to play their opening shots on the first tee.

First, though, came the presentation of the famous ‘wavy driver’ to all three captains by the new club president, Jim Cumming, who has been a Farnham member for some 35 years.

Armed with their high-tech modern clubs, the trio all played decent shots under the gaze of a large gallery.

Colin Smith joined Farnham Golf Club in 1988 and at first squeezed in only the occasional game between family life and much European travel while working for a multinational gas company. Since retiring, he has been more involved with the club – both on the course and while serving as handicap secretary for three years.

Hilary Smith joined Farnham’s academy scheme ten years ago and found it an excellent way to learn golf. A dietitian, she had a long career in the NHS, starting in Scotland and finishing at Treloar’s College in Alton, “a very special place,” she says. She enjoyed captaining Farnham’s Pearson team, playing against many of Surrey’s top clubs.