THE new golfing season began at Gosfield Lake Golf Club with the traditional drive-in by incoming captain Graham Hurrell.

Hurrell’s drive soared almost 185 yards down the fairway, with his daughter, granddaughters and other members of his family watching on with the usual gallery of members.

For the drive-in sweepstake, new junior captain Joe Richards contributed 220 yards to reach a combined 405 yard total distance.

The sweepstake, which raised the first of hopefully hundreds of pounds for this year’s charity - the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance - was won by Richard Beavis.

Meanwhile, last year’s captain, Ernie Cable, putted out to mark the end of his year in office, a year that met all his expectations and raised almost £5,000 for Alzheimers Society and Farleigh Hospice.

Hurrell was joined by the club president James Robinson, vice-captain Chris Munt and founder Ralph Rowe in the first fourball of the new season.

After nine holes they and their partners enjoyed the traditional Champagne breakfast served by the last four club captains Geoff Powdrill, Malachy Shields, Jeremy Paterson and Ernie Cable.

RESULTS: New season meet: Lakes Course: 1 Derek Pettigrew 40pts, 2 Colin Goudie 38pts, 3 Rob Murray 38pts.

Meadows Course: 1 Kevin Oakey 33pts.