Dear Affiliated Clubs, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I hope this message finds you well. As we reflect on 2024, I am thrilled to share some feedback and plans for the future.Can I start by offering a huge thanks to all the clubs, members, committee executives, players, coaches, managers, and parents for all your support through 2024. We shared another year of progress across the County with much success on and off the course.2024 saw further development in all areas of coaching.

We say farewell to Simon Shanks as the first team coach and thank him for his efforts over the past year, wishing him well with his endeavours on the various PGA Tours. As we enter the 2025 season, we are pleased to announce Alex Clapp as the interim coach for the Somerset 1st Team. Alex comes with a wealth of experience and is passionate about the development of the game, having started his golfing career at a young age at Enmore Park Golf Club and is a huge supporter of Somerset.We continue to make changes across the Junior section, challenging the internal structure with fresh objectives, and delivering a winter program for the Senior section, with on course player analysis and additional financial support.

The Junior sections had another year of positive progression, and thank you to Ian Poole – Junior Organiser, all the coaches, and team managers for your dedication and commitment. Junior golf is a thriving section, and we continue the investment into 2025.With EDI Initiatives alongside England Golf, Somerset helps develop the game and are proud to be working closely supporting Equality, Diversity, Inclusion platform. Further new initiatives are also in discussion, with the possible introduction of a mentoring project for young people and events for disabled golfers.

South West Week was held at a cold, windy, and occasionally wet East Devon Golf Club, with plans for the 2025 competition set for Cumberwell Park, in Bradford on Avon. Mark Wait, 1st Team Captain, has put in place multiple winter training sessions, with regular coaching, and the conclusion of the winter order of merit, ready to tackle the new season. Can I thank Mark, all the players, coaches, and all those who have helped with volunteering and supported on and off the course.

The Somerset Golf Union is in a changing world, with rising costs and clubs adjusting to their own needs and circumstances, but we will continue to work with all clubs, and I’m confident we can produce another great year of golf, on and off the course, with affiliation numbers forecasted to remain stable.

Heading towards the 2025 season, we’ll see Ian Poole step down as President but remains in his role as Junior Organiser. Thank you, Ian, for your years of support. Further thanks to Phil White, who comes off the Executive Committee, but will take up the role of Coaching and Development Director, leading an appointed sub-committee.

As a County, we have reached out to all clubs and highlighted the grant funding available for which you can each apply for special projects. Please do speak with the County Executive should any such project you wish to discuss. The importance of Safeguarding sits high on the agenda, and we’ll continue to ensure annual reviews take place and that DBS and SPC updates are conducted every three years. Should you have any questions, then please reach out to Rob Davis – County Secretary, or your England Golf CSO

Changes were made to the Annual County Presentation Dinner last year, with an emphasis on the winners. I received lots of feedback which will be considered by the dinner sub-committee, ensuring we can provide value for money, recognition for the winners, and elevate the importance of the presentation.Working to a budget and providing good value is key, and an approach to clubs will be made to host the 2025 dinner early this year. Thank you to the team at Burnham and Berrow for hosting, a great day on the course, and evening celebrations.

The Executive formed a sub-committee for all handicap matters, and in its first year, it has proved a great success supporting the handicap Secretaries and clubs. As EG continues to tinker with the rules, the sub-committee will support clubs, handicap managers, and players across the County. More information will follow early March after the Executive Committee has held its first meeting of the year.

As a County, we continue to deliver course ratings, with a team of appointed representatives. Thank you to Jim Skinner and all those involved.Can I also pass thanks to all the corporate sponsors and partners of Somerset Golf. You can see them listed on the website, and we appreciate your investment. Certain activities across County golf simply wouldn’t be possible without your partnership, so thank you again. Anyone wanting to know more about the corporate partnerships scheme then please reach out to myself or Rob Davis.I’d like to share some statistics on the Independent Golfer.

As of 2024, the iGolf program in England has over 60,000 current subscribers. This initiative has been successful in bridging the gap between independent golfers and club membership, with over 10,000 iGolf subscribers transitioning to club membership since the program's launch. 57% of iGolf subscribers have played more golf since subscribing, and 60% are considering joining a club in the future. Over three quarters, 77% of iGolf subscribers are very likely or extremely likely to renew their subscriptions, and iGolfers have submitted over 186,000 general play scores.

Final thanks to John Parker – Treasurer, and Rob Davis – Secretary, for your hard work, all members of the Executive, and sub-committees.All the best for the 2025 season,

Andy Carter - Chairman