Bill and Ben’s comeback at Redbourn GC

New Redbourn Golf Club Captain Richard Keens was taken back to his childhood during his traditional drive-in when he did so dressed as Weed from the legendary TV series Bill and Ben.

Decked out in a brown sack to represent a flowerpot and yellow headdress for the flower, Richard drove off in front of 96 fellow members flanked by Bill and Ben characters and a picket fence.

“As a child my parents took me on a family holiday and entered me into a fancy dress competition as Weed – despite being so many years ago it’s been a reoccurring theme throughout my life and was even present during this proud occasion,” explained Richard.

There was a bottle of bubbly on offer for the club member who guessed how far Richard’s first drive as captain would go, and this was won by Richard Jones and Jim Manning, despite their low guesses of 76 and 78 yards respectively.

Ian McDowell, Redbourn Golf Club General Manager, said: “The guesses were somewhat low which was a surprise as you’d normally expect Richard to drive the ball at least 150 yards.

“However, all soon became clear, as the jokers among the membership had coated the grip on Richard’s club in Vaseline, reducing the control he had over the club.”

It was no surprise when Richard managed to strike the ball a mere 77-yards, down the first hole of Redbourn’s Ver Course – which offers stunning views of the Hertfordshire countryside.

Richard’s drive in was postponed earlier in the year when he suffered a heart scare and was required to have a stent fitted. Thankfully he is now fighting fit and will support the Pepper Foundation during his tenure, a charity that funds care for seriously ill children within the community.

The team of Lorna Veale, Conor O’Grady, Pam Crawford and Keith Davies won the day’s competition after an incredible seven birdies and six pars in the opening 13 holes set them up for victory.