RICHMOND Golf Course, like all others in England, is preparing to reopen on Monday, March 29, after the lockdown closure, and preparations are well in hand to welcome back members and visitors.

Martin Catt, this year’s club captain, is especially looking forward to the reopening as he will be celebrating 50 years since he first joined in 1970, at the tender age of 13. Martin has already served as captain in 1985 and is delighted to be given the role again in 2021.

He started playing golf after his father took up the sport in 1969 to ease the boredom while working in Scotland for Dowsett Construction building a brick factory in Leven, Kirkcaldy.

"On his return my dad, Gary my brother and I joined Richmond Golf Club in the autumn of 1970," said Martin. "I was 13-years-old. The club was nine holes and the small clubhouse had been constructed on stilts at the end of some cow sheds by Shepherd Construction, a company I would join several years later to learn my trade.

"The secretary was Arthur Mangnall, a man you would not dare cross, steward was Jim Dillon, a World War Two veteran, and the green keeper was Harold Webster. In my first week Harold gave me a highly polished pair of brown leather golf shoes and a 1964 edition of the rules of golf which I still have to this day and told me ‘don’t ever let me see those shoes dirty and don’t ever disobey what’s in that book’.

Martin Catt in 1983 playing golf & raising funds for charity

Martin Catt in 1983 playing golf & raising funds for charity

"The captain was Donald Lancaster and because there were several past captains still playing when I joined it has now been my pleasure to have known 61 past captains of our club.

"It was all hands to the decks back then and many working parties over several months constructed the 18 holes we have today, my involvement only interrupted because it was school tomorrow and the Grammar School did not smile on students who yawned all day."

He added: "I was asked to be captain in 1983 and having served as competition secretary and vice captain, i became captain in 1985. Over the years I have held several roles at the club including a Directorship. The club has grown but still retains its core values and we are known for our welcome and atmosphere.

"The last few years have been difficult for all golf clubs, and particularly so during the current pandemic. However, we have been guided by a remarkable group of directors unselfishly giving their time to strengthen and secure the club’s future.”

Following the reopening of the course on March 29, the club is planning a series of events as part of the town-wide celebrations for the 950th anniversary of Richmond Castle.

For more details, and joining information, email secretary@richmondyorksgolfclub.co.uk or call 01748 823231.