How to plan the perfect lady captain’s day

Nerys McGuinness – Harleyford, Buckinghamshire

“Try to decide on the format of the day in plenty of time, then immediately start discussing it with management. Keep the format simple but add some fun elements to make it a bit different.

Keep prizes simple – it can be an expensive day for captains and this can put other members off taking on the role. We tried to cover the cost through the entry fee and I bought prizes throughout the year whenever anything was on special offer.

I decided not to play on the day and this for me made a big difference. I was able to go around the course on a buggy with a willing assistant, offering refreshments to the players and taking photos. I was also able to set up the prize table and arrange all the raffle prizes without having to rush around. It was the best decision I’ve ever made and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.”

Lynne Marrow- Cotswolds, Chipping Norton

“I found making the competition a 3 Ball Alliance made the day feel very relaxed and fun.

Prosecco and cake in the half way house went down a treat and having a lovely meal in the cubhouse was the perfect way to finish off the day. It was a brilliant day that I’ll always remember.”

Di Grant – Hindley Hall, Greater Manchester

“Choose prizes that you would like to win. You can’t please everyone, so don’t lose sleep over it.

Try to give a range of prizes that will capture a range of handicaps, this will ensure that you’re not inadvertently favouring players on lower handicaps.

Accept help – you can’t do everything yourself. Such as flowers for example – my ‘arranging’ skills are rubbish!

Ask past captains and people you respect for their opinions. I wanted to have some different spot prizes to those we’d had before, so I unashamedly picked lots of brains!

If you serve refreshments outdoors, be prepared for bad weather. We used a gazebo but also had the snooker room ready if we needed to quickly move indoors. Don’t forget to give the evening players as much attention as the day players when serving refreshments.”

Bev Kennedy – Llanishen, Cardiff

“I relied heavily on the support of our members to make my lady captain’s day a success.

We had a competition in the day, then all returned to the club for an afternoon tea of sandwiches, savouries and cakes that was kindly prepared by our ladies’ section.

I then organised a group photo on the 18th to record the event. It was a fabulous day and everyone enjoyed themselves.”