PHIL Segger has retired as secretary of the Suffolk Winter Golf Alliance after 11 years.He took over from Ken Mazdon of Newton Green in 1997 and became the longest-serving secretary, overtaking Roy Turnbull who served between 1971 and 1981.

Tony Garnett

PHIL Segger has retired as secretary of the Suffolk Winter Golf Alliance after 11 years.

He took over from Ken Mazdon of Newton Green in 1997 and became the longest-serving secretary, overtaking Roy Turnbull who served between 1971 and 1981.

Segger was presented with a plaque by the Winter Alliance at their 50th annual meeting held at Haverhill Golf Club. He was also presented with a cut glass set of golf clubs in a bag by Haverhill Golf Club president Chris Briggs “with grateful thanks from all friends at Haverhill.”

Alliance chairman John Whiting will take the secretary's role on a temporary basis until a full-time replacement is appointed.

Membership for 2008-09 will remain at £10 but meeting entry fees will increase to £25 for amateurs and £32 for professionals. Treasurer Bill Darling explained that provision needed to be made for increased costs. He said that a £390 deficit on the previous year was due to extra costs because of the 50th anniversary celebrations. Last year's membership of 290 was 27 up on the previous year.

Steven Moye of Haverhill won the professional's order of merit with Kevin Earp (Bury Golf Range) as runner-up. The order of merit sweep was won by Earp with Dave Daniel, Chris George (both Stowmarket), Cameron Brown (Waldringfield) and Wayne Penman (Haverhill) as runners-up. Penman and Andy Fish (Haverhill) won the better ball Stableford held before the annual meeting with 45 points. Runners-up were Gary Borthwick and Steve Murphy (both Stoke by Nayland) with 40. Daniel and George took third place with 39.

Gerry Markham (Rushmere) was re-elected to the committee with Leslie Turner of Haverhill being appointed. Mike Waite and Fred Looman retire.