Captain's Message

Dear Member,

I am honoured and proud to be the Seniors Captain for 2023 and the 29th holder of the position.  The Seniors Section is widely recognised as a friendly and competitive group of golfers and long may this continue. Golfers aged 55 and over can join at any time.  My aims as Seniors Captain are to: help ensure the Seniors enjoy their golf at Crondon Park, support and develop our major trophy and other competitions, support the TOFFS Tour and Awayday Programme, lead our wonderful team in their match programme and participate in our social and club events. The Seniors Committee are and will be a great support in achieving these aims. I will listen to the contribution of all Seniors and seek to ensure that the section is professionally represented and promoted within the club through the committee and senior management team.  I have been a Crondon Park member and Senior since 2012.

I thank Keith Freitag for his hard work and dedication to the interests of Seniors throughout his year as Seniors Captain. Keith ensured we were able to play competitive golf throughout the period of the extensive course ground works. Keith has provided great support and advice in  my preparation for captaincy, for which I am very grateful.

Looking forward to 2023, Crondon Park is developing into one of the top courses in the county. The greens and fairways are exceptional playing surfaces and I acknowledge the professionalism and expertise of Stewart and his green keeping team. The arrival of David Laffar as Director of Golf and the increased commitment to the golf business at a senior management level is good news for all members.  We now have full access to the Clubhouse from autumn to spring, with the attractive terrace and marquee providing a nice venue for social meeting before and after golf in warmer weather.

I am pleased to confirm that Peter Haney will be my vice captain and will also have the seniors handicap secretary responsibility.  Peter has already arranged an exciting Awayday programme for 2023 with visits to Bentley, Clacton, Thorpe Hall, Romford, Rochford Hundred and Colne Valley.  He is a close friend and will help in partnership with all the committee to ensure we have a great golfing year in 2023.  A highlight of the year is the TOFFS Tour. In September 2023 we will return to Belton Woods, one of the best golf hotel centres in England and venue of a successful event in 2021.

The Committee and I value the special contribution of non-committee members who offer their skills and competencies to help make our golf more enjoyable and I thank you for this special support. I also look forward to working with Club Captain Martin Harris, a member of the Seniors Section, and the Ladies Committee to ensure we enjoy joint and major club events and make Crondon Park a fun place to play golf.

My Charity in my Senior Captain year is the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. My niece has and continues to  benefit from the world leading research and treatment programmes provided by the wonderful NHS team.  I will give my more information on this in my captain's address and throughout 2023. 

Gerard Oates

Senior Captain 2023