The 'Preised' Green Jacket

Following on from Bro. Mervyn Burby's appointment as Vice-Captain of Province 19 Golf Society as reported on the Guildford Blog, he attended the annual tournament of The National Catenian Golf Society. This was held on the Carden Park Golf Complex near Chester on the 27th to the 3rd of May.

Province 19 were well represented and from Guildford Circle, in addition to Bro. Mervyn, Bro. Des Carroll, Bro. Michael Prior and Bro. Andy Preisner were present. In fact, Bro. Andy  took over the Captaincy on Tuesday the 28th April which is a 5 year appointment. On the first day he had his 'Drive-In' and during the evening function he was presented with the 'Green Jacket' of the newly installed Society Captain by past Captain Graham Magee.

Bro. Andy (right) on his 'Drive-In' with past Captain Gram Magee

Bro. Andy said the week was a great fun event and he hopes other golfers from the Guildford Circle will join in next year helping to reverse the recent trend of reduced numbers. In case some might think they are too old or not good enough, Bro. Andy says dispel that thought! The message needs to be put about that the Society does not comprise of young golfers of a high standard, the average age is over 70 and the average handicap of the participants is 21. Brothers and their wives can attend for any period between 2 and 6 nights during which there are evening functions, day trips for non-golfers and a wonderful farewell Mass celebrated by one of the week's greatest fans, Bishop Tom Williams of Liverpool.

Bro. Andy wearing his 'Preised' Green Jacket

There are many active golfers in the Catenian Association and golf is organised by many Circles, Provinces (regional groupings) and even at a National level giving new members the opportunity to meet brothers from around the Association. Provincial Golf Societies usually meet 4 to 5 times a year at local golf courses with the occasional Interprovincial Match, pitting their skills against golfers from neighbouring Provinces. Whether you play golf for fun or take it more seriously, there will be a willing opponent in the Catenian Association and all are welcome!