THE new captain of Whitefield Golf Club was given the green light as he teed off in to his new role.

Paul Fitzhugh, aged 59, from Worsley has been made the club's latest captain, taking over from Gary Silver.

To mark the occasion the club was invited to a traditional Drive In, before a reception at the club house provided by the new captain.

However, on an frosty spring morning, Mr Fitzhugh's was the only ball struck as no one dared to venture on to the icy course.

Mr Fitzhugh has been a member of the club for over 30 years after being inspired to first tee-off by his step father Simon Lebrooke and mother and last year's WGC Lady Player of the Year Pamela Ledbrooke — both former captains themselves.

A conveyancing solicitor and keen sportsman, Mr Fitzhugh has also played pool and football to a high level, and is married to wife Jan and is father to 26-year-old daughter, Rebekah.

Whitefield Golf Club was founded in 1932, and is one of the oldest in the North West, with strong links to the borough's Jewish Community who were often barred from entry to other clubs during that period.

Mr Fitzhugh, who becomes only the second non-Jewish captain of the club, said: "This captaincy is a massive honour, especially being non-Jewish and following in the footsteps of past golfers."

Vice-captain, Mr Silver, added: "Paul is a very popular guy and he brings a lot of enthusiasm to the club, every one enjoys playing with him.

"We wish him all the best with the captaincy and with taking over the role."