Twissell honoured to be named captain

John Twissell will make the most of his term as PGA in England and Wales (North) captain by playing as many events as time will allow when he is not teaching at Garstang Country Club.

“I still enjoy competing but I don’t always have the freedom because of work commitments. At least I’m exempt from qualifying!” he quipped.

“But it’s a great honour to be chosen as captain. I’ve still got the jacket when Lancashire appointed me in 2002 – and it still fits me.”

Twissell took up the game as a junior member of his home club in Great Harwood and, after the family moved to the coast joined Fairhaven, eventually signed on as assistant to Bill Miller in 1979.

He then chanced his arm in the United States, working at Baltusrol for six years, before returning to work with Royal Lytham & St Annes PGA Professional Eddie Birchenough.

“Paul Eales and Andrew Lancaster were also there,” he recalled.

Twissell graduated to a fully-fledged role at Clitheroe in 1991 where he stayed for 15 years.

“I left to set up a corporate golf day business but a lot of interest fizzled out because of the economic downturn,” he recalled.  “I was pleased to get the post at Garstang.”

Twissell, 53, has served as PGA in Lancashire county chairman for six years and as a regional committee member for ten.

He will be officially installed as captain at The PGA in England and Wales (North) at the annual meeting at Moortown on March 16.

Meanwhile, former European Tour player Peter Barber has been appointed PGA in Cheshire & North Wales captain.

Aran Wainwright, PGA Professional at Mid Yorks, is The PGA in Yorkshire’s choice.

Tony Cuppello, attached to Pike Fold, has been named PGA in Lancs captain and Michael Nesbit, of Westerhope, is expected to be nominated for the North East/North West role.