Bennett grateful for ‘new experiences and opportunities’ provided by PGA captaincy

Sarah Bennett stepped down from her role as Captain of the PGA last month following an extremely busy 12 months in office.

Bennett, 53, the head teaching professional at Three Rivers Golf & Country Club in Essex, followed in the footsteps of Bernard Gallacher in the role in March 2022, and last month passed it on to Tim Rouse, the 63-year-old head PGA Professional at Northamptonshire County Golf Club.

“Being asked to captain The PGA was the proudest moment in my golfing career,” said Bennett, who holds Fellowship status of The PGA. “The news came totally out of the blue and was a complete shock. I was preparing to play in the WPGA Championship when I found out. I received a voicemail from PGA Chairman Alan White. I returned his call immediately, my initial thought was it was tournament-related, he then told me the news. I was stunned, but I will be forever honoured, humbled and immensely proud to have captained this historic association.

Reflecting further on her 12 months in office, which has taken her all over the UK and several overseas trips, most recently to the PGA Show in Florida, Bennett added: “My term as PGA Captain certainly took me out of my comfort zone, of which I am now hugely grateful. The situations have provided me with new skills, experiences and opportunities to help develop golf as a whole, whilst trying to promote the Association, our membership and introducing new ideas.

“I have been totally overwhelmed and humbled with the support I have received from my fellow PGA Members and PGA staff, not only in the UK, but worldwide. It is this connection which I believe is vital within our industry. I would like to wish Tim Rouse all the very best during his term. Tim will certainly lead The PGA forwards in a professional manner which will connect with our membership in all areas. He will be the perfect role model.”

The names of the captains to lead the American and European teams at next year’s Cairns Cup, a bi-annual team match play event for golfers with a disability, which is being held at Eagle Crest Golf Club in Michigan, have been announced.

Indiana’s Kim Moore (pictured right) is the lead the home side, while Tineke Loogman from The Netherlands will lead the European team. Both are two outstanding female golfers who have overcome their disability and been an inspiration to many in the game. Both Kim and Tineke played at the inaugural event at The Shire London in 2022 and have already begun their duties of picking their team for next year’s competition.

Kim was born without a right foot and a severely clubbed left foot, as well as a slight case of spinabifida. However, she grew up in a very sports-oriented family and participated in many sports and was introduced to golf at the age of 16, and it quickly became her passion. She played college golf at the University of Indianapolis and played professionally on the Futures Golf Tour before getting her Class A PGA Teaching Professional certificate in 2012. Currently the Head Women’s Golf Coach at Western

Seven-year-old Elijah Gibbons from Kent is on top of the world after winning his age group category at the World Junior Golf Championship held at Amendoeira Golf Resort in Portugal.

Michigan University, Kim has participated in many adaptive tournaments around the world and is the 15-time US National Amputee Women’s Golf Champion and just recently won the 1st USGA Adaptive Open at Pinehurst. Commenting on her appointment, Kim said: “Being selected to participate in the 2022 Cairns Cup was such an honour. Any time I get the opportunity to represent my country means a great deal to me. The cameraderie and competitiveness we had in London was a testament to the abilities of all the participants on both teams. This world-class event is such a thrill to be a part of and I can’t wait to be the captain of Team USA!” Tineke, who hails from Amsterdam, is a latecomer to the game, having first started playing when went to Florida on holiday aged 40. She is involved with the EDGA and owns a 9-hole golf course and academy in Amstelveen, where she runs a Handi golf group. Commenting on her selection as a Cairns Cup captain, she said: “The prospect of being the first female Captain of Europe is very humbling, but I want to win!”

Details of the event can be found at www.thecairnscup.com.

Elijah, who is a junior member at Prince’s Golf Club, beat 16 of the best 7-year-old golfers from all over the world. Played over three 9-hole rounds, Elijah’s total score of 126, which included a best-of-the-week 38 in round two, saw him finish two shots ahead of Christian Boris from Slovakia. Tied with Boris going into the final round, Elijah produced a fantastic round of 40 to take the title, with Thailand’s Sean Wilding finishing third. Sam Gibbons, Elijah’s father, said: “It was an amazing experience for Elijah and, of course, we are so proud of him. Now he has been invited to the Callaway World Championship and the Future Champions of Golf International, both of which are being held in San Diego in July. Fingers crossed he can go and do just as well out there!”

The World Junior Golf Championship attracted over 200 players from 36 countries competing in seven age categories from seven to 18, with separate events for girls and boys. Ellie Lichtenhein, who is a member at The Buckinghamshire, won the Girls 13-14 championship by 11 shots, with a 54hole total of 227.

To check out all the result, visit www.worldjuniorgolf.co.