turned professional in 1973 and played on the USA based LPGA Tour from 1974 to 1981. She was a founding member of the Ladies European Tour and won six times between 1979 and 1984. Mickey was Europe’s Solheim Cup captain the first four times the cup was held in 1990, 1992, 1994 and 1996, captaining Europe to its first victory in the competition in 1992. Starter The official starter from 1987 to 2003 was Oliver Dyer. He joined Badgemore in 1973 as a five-day member and was invited to become the club’s official starter in 1987 (he had retired five years earlier). Although many members used the affectionate abbreviation of Ollie, he preferred to be known as Oliver. When interviewed in 1994, Oliver had this to say: “I have seen a lot of changes in my time as starter. I love my job; the members are so very friendly, although I do get a bit shirty when the odd one or two hold things up – when they turn up on the tee without their clubs or a scorecard or needing to go to the loo. The atmosphere and spirit in the club recently is absolutely brilliant.” Changing hands The club was first put up for potential purchase by the members in 1974. A meeting was called for 8pm on Tuesday, 10 December at Henley-on-Thames Town Hall for members to explore the possibility. A figure of £500,000 had been mentioned as a possible purchase price. This would be the first of three such considerations by the membership between 1974 and 1997. In 1975 the club name was changed to Badgemore Park Country Club. The club stayed in the ownership of two of the original directors and founders until it was acquired by KF Holdings Limited in October 1987. KF Holdings was owned by Mr John Steven. In December 1987 the name changed
1972
BADGEMORE PARK COUNTRY CLUB
RULES & FIXTURES
22 / SID’S ELBOW
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