WHEN Dave Heap took over the reigns as captain of the McDonald Golf Club last week, he became the 34th member to hold the senior position in the history of the 83 year old club.
"I regard it to be a great privilege to be captain of this fine, well established club, but I know the out going captain Jim O'Brien will be a hard act to follow,'' said the 61 year old who hails from Bolton.
Dave has in fact lived in the North - ea
st for 28 years and has been a member at the biggest single sports organisation in the area for the same amount of time.
"You could say I'm part of the fixtures and fittings at the club, but am acutely aware there will be many challenges facing me in my term of office.
I believe I have served my apprenticeship on the committee, although I don't plan on making major changes, but I have some targets I'd like to implement in my two years,'' he said.
Among the targets the new chief executive has set himself is to cement a closer working relationship with Aberdeenshire County Council, and ensuring the new junior practice beside the 18th fairway becomes a reality.
"But most of all I want to consolidate the good work of Jim and the captains before him,'' said Dave who plays off a respectable handicap of 13, but given some decent weather and time to get in some golf over the coming season, aims to reduce it to 11.
The Lancashire lad also intends that good links should be maintained with the various sections of the club, including the ladies, the juniors and the seniors of which section he is a member.
''The juniors have to be a priority for me, as they are the future of the club, although I'll be doing my utmost for every member in all the sections,'' he confirmed.
"In Mitch Cabel we have an excellent Junior Convener who will be making sure his charges put the new practice area to good use,'' added Dave.
The forward thinking captain is also aware there is a need to recruit new members at a time when every club in the North - east is fighting to keep its place in the market.
"I am, however, sure we will hold our own at a club that has a reputation of being a family organisation with some of the finest facilities in the North of Scotland.''
I'd also like to see new social members signing up. We will be repeating the open day of last year, which was a marvellous recruitment tool for us,'' said the ambitious Dave who confirmed his commitment to working with the club's professional Sandy Aird.
''Sandy is a vital asset for us and has made a big impact in his first year in post.''
Providing quality catering is high on Captain Heap's agenda. ''It's important we offer a good meals service to members and visitors alike. So far I believe we have done a good job in that area of provision,'' he enthused.
Mr Heap paid tribute to the club council and looked forward to enjoying a positive relationship in the close knit, hard working committee which he will head up for the next two years.
''I have enjoyed working with the group, learning all the way in my term as vice - captain. The outgoing captain Jim has also been a source of support. I wish him well. Perhaps he will get the chance to play some more golf,'' said the Englishman who has taken to living in Scotland like a duck to water.
Outgoing captain Jim O'Brien wished the new incumbent good luck, but took the opportunity to reflect on his time in the post.
''I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of heading up the council, regarding them as a very special asset. I like to think I have handed over a united committee who will continue to work in the best interests of the members. Under the leadership of Dave they will thrive,'' said the former captain who promised he would be available for advice if required, but said: ''Every captain makes his own mark. I'm sure Dave will be no different,'' said Jim before rushing out to hit a few practice balls to celebrate his freedom.
The new vice - captain is Bill Moir.
