Five Lakes' new captain for 2007/08, Chris Southgate, started his new season by competing in this year's Turkey Trot, followed by retiring captain Alan Riches putting out on the ninth green - and after enjoying a traditional stiff drink as is the custom at Five Lakes, he proceeded to the first tee to drive off his season.

Chris managed to drive 180 yards right, giving Barry Smith the bottle of champagne for holding the correct prediction in the charity draw.

Chris has been an active member of Five Lakes for the past five years, having previously played his golf at Bentley Golf Club, near Brentwood.

Chris is a retired company director and, as well as being a very keen golfer, has held many positions supporting youth sport which he is very keen to continue. From 1986 to 1994, he was chairman of Scotia Boys Football Club, coaching and organising football competitions for more than 100 boys from eight to 15 years old. During that time, Chris was also senior youth coach for Billericay Cricket Club, from 1991 to 1997.

His nominated charities for his year as captain will be the Wooden Spoon, which helps underprivileged children in the area, and the Williams Syndrome Foundation, which is involved with genetic research into the causes and treatment of the condition whose name the charity carries.