Special send off for Phil

Of the many pro-ams taking place on the Midlands circuit this summer none will be more poignant than the one at Coventry Golf Club.

This year’s event on May 29 is set to mark the end of a memorable career at the club for their long-serving head professional Dr Phil Weaver, OBE.

He is stepping down from the main role following 35 years of service in which he has been instrumental in maintaining the golf club's reputation as one of the finest in the region.

Weaver, who also served as Chairman of the PGA from 1979 until last month, played an active role on the Ryder Cup Committee and is also course manager at Coventry, can be credited in making the club one of the most environmentally conscious in the country.

He is a modest and unassuming man, and although he would be quite content with leaving the role without too much fuss, he is grateful to the club for arranging a suitable swansong in conjunction with the PGA Midlands.

“The club didn't really need to mark the occasion but I knew they were planning something for me, and a pro-am is ideal, I'm very grateful to them for arranging it,” he said.

“I'll still be attached to the club, especially with the environmental committee, but it's time to hand over the day to day running after 35 really rewarding years.”

The club will be hosting a special opening ceremony on the day and planting an oak tree in his honour. The pro-am which has already attracted 23 participating teams tees off at 10.30 with a shotgun start.