John Gowing, who used to race cars and motorbikes as a young man, faced a more testing drive when becoming the new men’s captain at Frilford Heath.

“I’ve never been so nervous in my life,” said the 60-year-old jeweller ahead of his drive into office.

“With my first drive, the club went into the ground and the ball didn’t go very far,” he said.

“But I was given another go and the second drive went very well.”


Gowing, now 60, used to road race motorbikes and ran a team on the Isle of Man, although he never rode in the TT.

In his thirties, Gowing turned to driving cars, competing in the British Saloon Car Championship and historic car races.

His biggest victory came in the Will Hire 24-hour race at Snetterton.

“I was much more proficient at driving cars than golf balls,” added the 18-handicapper, who has been a member of Frilford for 13 years. His chosen charity is Heart Research UK.

The new ladies’ captain Julie Purcell-Smith, has also been a member for 13 years.

A 17-handicapper, Purcell-Smith, whose daughter Sophie is a member, has chosen Flexicare – a local organisation providing baby care – as her charity.

CLUB RESULTS

NORTH OXFORD

Winter Challenge 8th round: 1 D Titcombe & D Morris 47pts, 2 C Black & S Fletcher 44 (cb), 3 M Andrews & A Greaves 44.