ROY Smethurst has taken over as the Cheshire Union of Golf Clubs president for the coming year and there can be few, if any, who can match his fantastic playing achievements during his outstanding time in county, regional, national and international golf.

He has been honoured with the captaincy at his beloved Crewe Golf Club in recent years and now he is looking forward to leading Cheshire to more success at all levels.

Among Roy’s many successes over the years are winning the British Senior Amateur title in 2003, four silver medals for leading amateur in the British Senior Open, the European Senior Amateur in 2005, the USA Senior Amateur semi-finalist in 2003 and four times the English Senior Amateur champion.

Last year was his first year as non-playing captain of England Seniors and he is continuing in this role in the coming season.

Roy said: “I’d like to see Cheshire win at least one of the Northern group qualifiers after finishing second, third and third last year in the Men’s, Boys and Seniors, particularly with the Men’s qualifying being hosted by Delamere Forest GC.

“In the Northern League in 2015 Cheshire finished second and first in the Men’s and Seniors and this year I hope that we can go one better and win both.

“In the Boys Four Counties in 2015 we had a relatively new side and finished third at Wallasey.

“Most of the boys who played in this will be available this year so that my hope is that Cheshire come out on top at Childwall.

“With respect to club golf one of my aims is to lead the CUGC Board in improving the services and support offered to our Cheshire clubs with a view of getting more people into golf and improving their playing experience.

”On a more personal note I still hope to play for Cheshire Seniors and one or two of the nationals seniors events and continuing as the non-playing England Seniors Captain.

“In 2015 it was my first year and England had a relatively new side with only a dozen or so caps between them and they finished fifth in the European Seniors and third in the Home Internationals Seniors competitions.

“This year I am looking forward to a really interesting season as the players gain more experience and compete for Order of Merit points and a place in the England team.”

It certainly promises to be a very busy and enjoyable season for the county president!