Portsmouth Table Tennis League regular Bryden is new captain of The PGA in England (South) region

And he is looking forward to playing more often in major regional events, and to meeting lots more of its members

After spending the past 35 years as a PGA Professional, starting in 1985 and going to Tournerbury Golf Centre in 1997, Alresford for the next 10 years, and then Hayling for two more years, Bryden is now back at Tournerbury.

He couldn’t be happier.

‘I’m a Hampshire PGA Professional through and through,’ he said.

‘I’ve been the county captain twice - and I’m still on their county committee! - so I’m very excited to have been elected as new regional captain.’

He added: ‘it’ll be a tough act to follow Ant Tarchetti, but on the other hand I’m so looking forward to playing in more Pro-Ams and events, and especially to meeting lots more regional

members.

‘Golf’s experiencing some very ‘interesting’ times right now, whether it’s the clubs or the PGA Professionals.

‘So I really want to listen to our members’ opinions, see what you think and what you feel could be better, or what you’d do to improve things.’

Golf, however, is not the only string to Bryden’s sporting bow, as he’s also a regular in the Portsmouth Table Tennis League.

‘On the face of it, you might think that table tennis hasn’t got much in common with golf, but as a golf teacher I can promise you it’s fantastic for hand eye co-ordination.’

‘In fact, the US Ryder Cup team insists on having a table tennis table in their hotel.

‘And thinking about the rainiest February on record, it’s a game that’s also played where it’s a lot warmer and drier throughout those long, cold winter months when golf’s not exactly very appealing!’