Gold Member – Moss appointed captain at Mendip Spring

Rob Moss now has two golf-related blazers in his wardrobe – one for his duties as PGA South West regional manager, the other pertaining to his role as Mendip Spring Golf Club’s latest captain.

In addition, he has had to make space for an Austin Powers fancy dress uniform, more of which later.

Moss, who has been associated with the club near Weston Super Mare for almost three decades, firstly as a PGA Professional and more recently a member, has begun his year in office as captain.

And, although it’s not a unique scenario, it’s a rare one for a PGA pro.

“I’m aware of a couple of other pros in the region who have been club captains,” he said, “but this was a big surprise.

“Scott Thompson, the general manager here, sounded me out a couple of years ago and I thought he was joking.

“But someone had nominated me, there was an interview which, luckily, I came through.

"It’s a huge honour and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

The appointment is the latest chapter for Moss in an association that began with him arriving at the club within six months of it opening in 1992.

“I worked at a couple of clubs in Lancashire,” he recalled. “And Christine Holt, one of the pros I worked with, moved to Mendip before it opened and called me after six months asking if I’d like to join her.

“The nine-hole course was open when I arrived in July and the 18-hole course opened in September.

“There have been three owners since then and the club has changed massively. There have been a lot of improvements and additions and I’ve had a little bit of influence over the years; the current owners certainly listen to the pros.”

Having worked as a professional at Mendip Spring for 25 years before taking on his current role as regional manager and joining the club as a member, his stint as captain will give him an insight into other facets of its operation.

“Obviously there will be plenty of ceremonial duties for me to do, such as prize presentations,” he added.

“I’ll also be on the management committee as well as the competitions and handicap committees. Thankfully I’ve got a bit of knowledge on that subject.”

And, as an experienced referee who officiated at the US PGA Championship at Whistling Straits in 2015, his knowledge of the game’s rules will also come in useful. So will the contacts he has made at elite level events.

“My rules knowledge is called upon quite often and I hold etiquette and rules evenings on a regular basis,” he continued.

“And I’ve been able to use my contacts: I’ve got John Paramor, the former European Tour referee, coming to do a rules night for the members in April.”

The role has also allowed Moss to nominate a charity which will benefit from funds raised during his captaincy year.

“I’ve chosen Somerset Star, a charity that funds sports and arts activities for under-privileged and vulnerable kids,” he added. “Things we take for granted such as swimming, dancing, Cubs and Brownies – those sorts of things.”

 As for the Austin Powers attire?

“The four captains for the forthcoming year – men’s, lady, veteran and junior -traditionally wear fancy dress for the drive-in that marks their first day in office,” he explained.

“This year we opted for characters from the Austin Powers movies, and I was dressed as the man himself – the international man of mystery!”

Fortunately, the gaudy and ill-fitting purple velvet suit did not inhibit his swing and the chestnut wig remained in situ as he unleashed his ceremonial drive.

“There were 150 members watching. Thankfully, and despite that suit, I hit a good one and it went straight down the middle!”

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