Astbury Golf Club recently lost a "marvellous" member.

Harry Gannon was a "club character" who joined the club in 1967. He was a four handicapper, a team player and organiser, he served as a director and captain and eventually became a life member.

He was always available to support the club and for as long as anyone can remember he had been the handicap secretary of the men's section.

Harry had his own style and would often (before it became non-PC) adjust a member's handicap where he felt that it was appropriate.

A good example being when Harry noticed that a player's scoring was regularly better than their handicap might suggest.

Harry reduced the player's handicap to reflect his standard of play more accurately.

The player approached Harry and bitterly complained. Harry suggested they write to the handicap committee to complain.

This was accepted until Harry disclosed that the committee was just one person, and that was Harry himself!!

On Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the men's rollups, we could always rely on Harry to pass out the winnings fairly and accurately, keeping just a little bit back to fund the 'rollup Christmas party' or as it was affectionately known "Harry's Do", I suspect that it will be remembered as "Harry's Do" for some years to come.

In honour of Harry's outstanding service to the club that he loved, the directors have honoured him by renaming the flag competition 'The Harry Gannon Trophy' in his honour and promoting the event to a board competition.

The competition will be played on Sunday, 16th May 2021.