Ruth Hartley has been elected as President of the Hindhead Golf Club, the first time in its 112 year history that the Club will have a lady as President.
Ruth Hartley has been elected as President of the Hindhead Golf Club, the first time in its 112 year history that the Club will have a lady as President.
What possibly makes this unique to any golf club, is that Ruth follows in the footsteps of her late husband, Dick, who was also President from 2006 to 2009.
The recent AGM at the Club saw Ruth elected, taking over from retiring President Neil Nugent. Ruth joined Hindhead in April 1981, as an overseas member whilst living an expat life, becoming a full member in July 1986. Ruth learnt to play golf while living in Lagos, Nigeria, and once back in the UK, both she and her husband threw themselves into the game, supporting their Club by both taking on the role of Club Captain and Ladies’ Captain together in 1999.
On taking on her new role, Ruth commented,
“I am very proud and humble to be considered as President, but the job will be evolving over the next years with the ongoing incorporation of the club.”
The AGM also saw the election of the new Club Captain, Steve Burton, the Ladies’ Captain, Karen Hawkins, and Junior Captain, Charlie Newman. During 2015 £10,000 was raised for Shooting Star Chase’s Guildford hospice, Christopher’s, and the Contented Dementia Trust thanks to the support of the Club’s members at a number of events throughout the year. For 2016 the Captains have chosen to support local charities Challengers Children’s Charity, and Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice.
Charlie Newman is an active member of the Junior squad, and is part of the team that will represent Surrey later this year in the English Junior Club Championships.
Following the elections, the traditional drive-in took place, and a mixed greensomes competition with a shotgun start. There were 100 players taking part and a magnificent £2,500 was raised on the day for the two Charities through a raffle and auction.