Petersfield Golf Club’s annual captains’ drive-in rose £1,000 for charity.

All three newly-elected captains drove off on the 14th tee to the sound of trumpets and cheering, watched by members and guests.

This year the Mayor of Petersfield Councillor JC Crissey was invited and met with the new captains, club president and manager Katie Laud in the clubhouse beforehand. The event raised money for the charity Sands, which helps support anyone affected by the death of a baby.

Councillor Crissey said: “My thanks to Petersfield Golf Club – especially to club president Terry Roach, club captain Simon Baigent, ladies’ captain Heidi Oliver and seniors’ captain Stuart Garland – for giving me the great honour of attending their captains’ drive-in in aid of Sands. Our town is indeed fortunate to have such a welcoming and well-designed golf club that not only brings so much enjoyment to its members, but also helps supports many local charities.”

Club captain Baigent said: “We were delighted to welcome the town mayor to our ceremonial season opener. Thanks to our members’ generosity we have raised £1,000 for Sands, in what was a fantastic start to the golfing season.”

The 40mph gusts didn’t deter the 104 players competing in the captains’ stableford waltz competition following the drive-in. The winners were Chris Ashman, Jeff Shires, Kip Wellstead and Colin Lavender. The runners-up were Simon Baigent, Heidi Oliver, ladies’ vice-captain Jackie Carter and club vice-captain Iain Thomson. Third place went to Ian Guy, Graham Wallser, Paul Crafts and Geoffrey Lees.