RETIRED radiographer Sue Theakston is on course to make her mark on the history of a North-East golf club.

The mum-of-two has become the first female club captain at Darlington’s Blackwell Grange Golf Club, which dates back to 1931.

And, after spending 37 years working for the NHS, she has chosen to use her year as club captain to raise money for the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust’s charity.

“It’s a huge privilege and source of pride to be Blackwell’s first lady club captain, and I’ve had such a lot of support from male and female members,” said Sue, who worked at Bishop Auckland General Hospital and The James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, during her career.

“I thought the NHS was perfect for my chosen charity because of my time working in the health service, and because it touches all members – men, women and juniors.”

Blackwell Grange first appointed a club captain in 1960 and a ladies’ captain since 1961. Having been ladies’ captain in 2017, Sue is now overall club captain.

She was inspired to start playing golf at the original Blackwell Grange Golf Club 34 years ago by her mother, Marjorie Hall, who was a past Durham County Lady Captain, Blackwell Lady Captain, and Dinsdale Lady Captain.

Marjorie (pictured below), now 87, was still playing golf up to last year, and Blackwell Grange has other lady members who are still playing in their 80s.

The Northern Echo:

Sue, who plays off a handicap of 17.5, joined Blackwell Grange in 1989 and has been part of the club’s executive committee for the past six years.

“Huge strides have been made for women in golf over the years, and it’s a sport that the whole family can enjoy,” she said. “It’s something couples can do together and, because of the handicap system, they’re able to play as equals. My message to women of all ages would be to give it a go.”

Carole Zissler, this year’s ladies’ captain at Blackwell Grange, said: “It’s a big step for the club and a real honour for Sue. I can’t think of anyone better because she’s strong, fair, and well- organised. Hopefully, it will inspire other women to start playing golf and to be involved in all aspects of the golf club.”

Sue’s year as club captain coincides with the 10th anniversary of the merger between Blackwell Grange and Stressholme golf clubs on July 1 when a celebration is planned.

Pat Chambers, manager of the NHS charity, said: “It’s fabulous that Sue has remembered her links to the NHS as she makes her own special piece of local golfing history. We look forward to her having a year to remember while raising money for a cause that touches everyone.”