New captain pushes for more players

JOAN BICHARD, new lady captain at the Royal Guernsey Golf Club, has written to the sleeping section of the 130 playing membership and posed the question: 'Why don't you play more golf'? Bichard, who this week oversaw her first competition of the year - the annual Credit Suisse Valentines Mixed Greensomes - said she had concerns for the future health of the women's game which is producing little new young talent.

'On an average week we will get 60 out and for the big occasions, like the captain's prize and open day, we might get 85. Where are the others?

'I worry because they won't let us have more lady members and nobody wants to give up their membership.'

The new captain and former island champion has welcomed the appointment of Roy Bushby as the sport's first head coach and hopes he can help bring through young women players as well as junior boys.

She hopes her open letter may make some difference.

'I hope I've stirred things up enough for more people to realise we want them in the club and playing. I hope I've jolted a few consciences.'

With 60 on the waiting list to join it is important to make best use of the membership cap, she says.

It is not that there is no talent and the club hold their own at inter-island level.

'We tend to beat the Royal Jersey and lose to La Moye.'

Jan Chamberlain is the club's lowest handicap at four, but encouragingly Sue Wellfair, the 2006 island champion, is down to a six and Veronica Bougourd (five) and Kay Mapley (eight) remain fine players.

Of the emerging players, the captain picks out Di Stenner as one to watch.

Dogged by serious illness in recent times, Bichard is now fully recovered and looking forward to a busy and memorable captaincy year.

She is not new to the role, having filled it at the Royal Germany Club in her years overseas.