Foundations are put in place for bright future

Photo: Darren Robinson

Crompton and Royton captain Barry McLoughlin.

WHETHER it is promoting the club, organising competitions or gently persuading his wife to take up the game, it’s all in a day’s work for Barry McLoughlin.

The 45-year-old has been involved with Crompton and Royton Golf Club for the past five years, having previously played at Werneth.

While he admits his own game might need some work — “I have been down to a handicap of 11,” he protests — there is no doubting his commitment to excellence for the club as a whole.

Barry (pictured) has been married to Joanne for 22 years and she has recently taken her first steps into getting involved in the game, taking lessons with club professional Martin Beaty.

“I eventually wore her down!” Barry jokes.

And the whole family’s enjoyment of a top-class club is the goal for the new skipper.

“I caddied here as a youngster and lo and behold, some 30 years later I am captain,” said Barry, a company director of an electrical contracting business.

COMMITTEE

“I have been involved with the handicaps and competitions committee and am also the marketing secretary and then this opportunity arose.

“I see the club’s future as very positive. It is very tough attracting new members, but we have and continue to make a massive investment in the course and many visitors are very complimentary about it.

“The feedback we get from the Royton Sword has been excellent.

“Ultimately, we want to develop a good reputation locally and then expand that across the North-West and further afield.

“We are 108 years old and I want this to be a year of enjoyment for everyone, both out on the course and in the clubhouse.”

With Joanne he has two children Sam (20), who is also a member, and Ellen (18).

He has two charities for the year, raising funds for the British Lung Foundation and Dr Kershaw’s Hospice.