JOHN FLANDERS BECOMES EGU PRESIDENT

John Flanders, the man behind the creation of the English Golf Union's impressive headquarters at Woodhall Spa, has become its Millennium President.

He succeeded 1999 President, Peter Wilson, at the Annual Meeting held at the Union's Woodhall Spa headquarters this week.

It was back in 1991 when Mr Flanders conceived the idea that the EGU had to look to the future and should acquire its own center with its own course and training area. He approached Neil Hotchkin, a long-standing EGU official, a Past President, and the then owner, with the idea of purchasing Woodhall Spa Golf Club. The rest is history and the EGU now possesses facilities at its Lincolnshire base that are second to none.

"That is the greatest thing I've done for English amateur golf", says Mr Flanders. "I was Chairman for 11 years and during that time the game exploded dramatically. Something had to be done and now it gives me a thrill to see what has been achieved at Woodhall Spa."

Mr Flanders first become involved with the EGU in 1981 when he was appointed to the SSS and Handicapping Committee. Two years later he joined the Executive Committee and then took over as Chairman of the Finance Committee from 1987 to 1989 and was Honorary Treasurer in 1990.

1989 saw him elected to Chairman of the EGU while he was awarded Honorary Life Membership of the Union in 1997, the first person awarded this honour. He also served as President of the Midland Counties Golf Association from 1981 to 1984 and when that become the Midland Golf Union, he became its first President from 1984 to 1985, then its Chairman from 1986 to 1990.

Mr Flanders had also enjoyed a distinguished playing career. Twice Captain of Derbyshire in the 1960s and 1970s, he won the Derbyshire Open Championship in 1970 and represented the County for more than 30 years, making over 150 appearances. He reduced his handicap to one in 1954, something he retained for over 25 years, but now plays to 12 after a recent shoulder operation, "I hope its going to come down because I'm feeling much better," he says.

He is a Past Captain of Chevin Golf Club, where he has been a member for over 50 years, becoming President in 1993, a post he still holds. He is also a Past Captain of Breadsall Priory Golf Club and is a member of Woodhall Spa, Kedleston Park and Lindrick Golf Clubs.

As he takes office, Mr Flanders has no theme for his year, only that golfers enjoy the game. "I've been lucky that I've played at a reasonable level and had a lot of pleasure from it. I went into the administration side to help others enjoy the game to whatever level they play", he adds.

A chartered accountant by profession with his own practice in Derby, John is married to Anne and has two children, Martin and Jane.