Hello everyone

Dear Fellow Members

By way of introduction, I am honoured to be the latest in a long line of Club Captains dating back to the founding of Richmond Park Golf Club back in in 1924. Like many of you, I "found" the Club on the internet having moved back to the UK from the US for work in 2010 and as I looked for a local venue to play some friendly competitive golf. As has been the case for countless others, my first contact was with our longstanding Club Secretary Peter Harrington who swiftly took me through the "onboarding" process of introductions, dues payments and the three rounds to establish my initial handicap.

A number of things mark out our Club as something quite special. The diverse nature of our membership, two separate courses at our disposal, a distinct lack of airs and graces and an ultra-friendly environment for all. There is a core group of volunteers who devote considerable time behind the scenes to ensure the smooth running of the Club. If you are moved to do so, I can recommend a quick look through the annual secretary's report for last year which will give an idea of the vast amount of 'behind-the-scenes' activity that goes on

I will try to introduce myself to as many members as I can during the year but don't be shy about saying hello to me - just look for the extremely large ex-rugby player with shocking white hair. If you are out on the course you may get exposed to my mutterings of self-loathing which I promise to do my level best to curb this year as befits my position of responsibility - but no promises!! For those of you who confine your activity to midweek, please do look out for our Midweek Captain, John Ahad.

While there will be a steady diet of Sunday and Wednesday competitions on tap for the year ahead, there will also be our knockout competitions which I would heartily recommend for those of you who want an alternative experience to the regular stroke play events. Sign up for the knockouts can be found on Master Scoreboard.

The Club also enters a number of teams in Surrey County and NAPGC (National Association of Public Golf Courses) competitions throughout the year as well as friendly matches against other clubs. While some of these teams will be selected very much on form and competitive abilities, I am keen to be as inclusive as possible, particularly when it comes to friendly matches. If you are interested in being considered for interclub matches please do let me know directly (ngaymond@gmail.com). Yellow club shirts are expected of team members and can be acquired at very reasonable rates. The Club has enjoyed some success over the years and the Mixed teams have reached the national finals in the past three years, winning it outright in 2017.

Finally, I want to draw everyone's attention to a new event we will be running this year. One of the special elements of our club is that in keeping with London's status as the world's meeting point, our membership is incredibly diverse when it comes to nationalities. On Saturday 18th May we will be putting on the International Challenge. This will operate on the same premise as the popular annual Bontor competition between the Ladies and the Men. It will feature an International Team versus a UK Team (team colours to be advised nearer the date!) playing individual matchplay on a handicap basis with each match counting towards a final team score. It promises to be a fun social occasion so mark your calendars and watch out for a sign-up sheet in due course. Early expressions of interest would be gratefully received so let me know. The event will be open to the ladies as well.

I will be in touch on a regular basis, liaising often with the Lady Captain, Deborah Potter. I am being supported this year by a great team of John Ahad (Midweek Captain), and Kim Chaffart and Pete Harrison (Vice Captains). Hit them straight and don't be shy about getting in touch.

Best regards

Nigel Gaymond
19 March 2019