MORE than 200 club members, family, friends and guests were in attendance at Reading Golf Club on Sunday to celebrate the annual drive-in of the 2020 captain, John Rusby.

Rusby’s entrance onto the tee was heralded by a guard of honour made up of 20 juniors, with the Juniors’ captain, Lewis Thomas, leading the way by carrying the captain’s driver.

In traditional style, marker sticks were sold to members in support of the captain’s charity, The Golf Foundation, which raised in excess of £500.

The choice of charity for 2020 was inspired by the recent growth of the Juniors’ Section at the club.

The charity’s aim is to change the lives of young people, irrespective of background, ability or disability through their introduction to golf.

After being welcomed onto the tee by Head Professional, Joe Templer, Rusby‘s drive was met with a loud cheer.

He was then presented with his club captain’s jacket and tie by 2019 Captain, David Brown, and greeted by many past captains.

The morning shotgun competition, with 88 competitors, was won by Roger Beavis, Peter Lowden, David Morley and Sam Wakefield with 93 points.

Vice-Captain, Ian Wallace, presented the prizes to the winners.

The celebrations continued with a lunch for 85 members and guests.

JANE Brackenbury with 32 points won round eight of the ladies’ winter league at West Berks.

Tina Mulford, on 31 points, was second and Gale McAuley third on 26.

With just two rounds remaining, Mulford leads the competition with a best-five score total of 170 points, while Brackenbury is second on 162 and McAuley is in third place on 157.

Greg Collins, Simon Barrie and Chris Prior with 91 points won the mixed winter fun competition on Sunday, while the team comprising John Carroll, Pete Dye and Carl McCartney were a single point behind in the runners-up spot.

Mark Ridgill and father-and-son duo, Chris and Seamus Ramsey, were a further shot back on 89 points, beating Kevin Howe, Stuart Murphy and Liam Bint on countback to take third.

The Monthly medals at Deanwood went to Sue Parkinson, Derek Major and Rob Sim, while the Stablefords were won by Jane Connor, Nigel Connor and Bob Hamnett.