NEW Crompton and Royton Golf Club captain Jennifer Kenworthy was a late convert to the sport.
Jennifer, 71, took up golf in her fifties and has been a member of the High Barn club for 18 years.
“I would have joined years before but for the children. Once they had grown up I decided the time was right,” she explained.
Husband Victor had played far longer and had been a member at Ryburn when the family lived in Yorkshire.
Jennifer, who plays off 22, has won two majors: Lady Vice Captain’s Prize and the Winterbottom Cup.
She has yet to lift Lady Captain’s, Mr Captain’s and Mr President’s, adding she has been runner-up on several occasions.
Jennifer is looking forward to her year in office, explaining it was her husband who suggested she ought to accept the invitation.
Mother-of-two Jennifer and Victor, who have been married for 51 year, also plays in the silver and bronze teams.
“Playing team golf is the best bit as you get to play other courses,” she said.
Jennifer, who worked on reception at Oldham MBC’s planning department, says Crompton and Royton are struggling for lady members.
She explained: “All clubs seem to be struggling for ladies. I have two daughter-in-laws and they go to the gym rather than spending four or five hours playing a round of golf.
“I played golf when I was working and it was hard setting aside the time.”
But with golf professional Martin Beaty running a golf academy she is hopeful some of the females will eventually sign up as members.
Jennifer’s charity for the year is Kidney Research UK, an organisation that has special resonance as her husband had a kidney transplant four years ago.
“When he was in hospital it was surprising the number of people there with kidney problems,” she continued.
Jennifer also enjoys watching sport and when the family lives at Watersheddings used to watch Oldham Rugby League Club as it was just across the road, but she says they won’t go any longer following the move to Limeside.