IT was a ‘drive-in’ with a difference at Liphook Golf Club as the new club captain and lady captain hit a ball off the first tee to mark the start of their year of office.

Kathryn Todd, this year’s captain of the ladies’ section, drove off first, followed by the new club captain, Jillian Howarth – the first woman to be elected to the role in the club’s 95-year history.

Both drives went straight down the middle which augurs well for their year as captains. The traditional drive-in event raised over £1,000 for the joint captains’ charity for 2018, the Rosemary Foundation.

The club captain’s role at Liphook is not just a ceremonial one. During her year, Jillian Howarth will head up the general committee which runs the club. She is, in effect, Liphook GC’s ‘CEO’ for the year.

Born and bred in Dublin, Jillian spent over 15 years working for Aer Lingus before moving to Liphook 20 years ago.

Her husband, Graham, became a Liphook member in 2000 and Jillian finally decided to try her hand at golf and joined the club in 2003, becoming lady captain in 2011.

She spent three successful years on the committee as chair of membership before being invited to become club vice-captain in November, 2016.

Jillian’s handicap has been as low as 14, but in the last few years it has been creeping up. She is hoping that a busy year of golf will help lower it again.

Having served five years on the committee, Jillian is well versed in the ways of the club and is looking forward to her year of captaincy.

Historically, Liphook Golf Club has been seen as somewhat old-fashioned. Today, however, while the club is proud of its traditions and values, it is also welcoming and forward-thinking – as demonstrated by the election of a woman as captain.

The Liphook members feel they have the ideal captain to carry the club forward as it approaches its centenary.