Army operating in different times now

Army Golf Club captain David Turnidge says the times are changing as he prepares for the SkyCaddie PGA Pro-Captain Challenge South qualifying event.

Turnidge will team up with PGA Professional Graham Cowley for the competition to held, in association with Golfplan, at Hayling Golf Club in Hampshire on August 1.

But 58-year-old Turnidge, who plays off a handicap of 17, says the image of the Army club is not what it used to be.

‘“It was set up by the Army, but for at least the last 30, maybe 40 years, it’s been a civilian club and these days, perhaps less than 10 per cent are active military,” he said.

“This is a conventional golf club, the name is historical and we have talked about changing it but it’s what people know us as.

“We’re based on what used to be Army land but we purchased it about 10 years ago. So we own our land. We have some links with the Army, but the times have changed. I have no military background in my life at all.”

The pair will be hoping to reach the £22,000 Morocco final which will be held between November 21-22 at Mazagan Beach Resort, Casablanca.

Turnidge says he is looking forward to playing at Hayling due to the links between that club and the Army club.

“Hayling’s a fantastic golf course and I’m really looking forward going back there,” added Farnborough-based Turnidge, who is now retired from the financial industry.

“We play friendly matches with them and there’s also the Centenary Trophy where all the clubs in Hampshire that are formed before 1900 - there are 10 of us - play every year. And it alternates between our course and Hayling. We were both formed in the same month I think! We have close connections, they’re good guys.”