Isle of Man Golf’s new president, Gordon Pairman, has promised to help support local clubs in the wake of the

coronavirus pandemic.

Pairman, who recently took over from outgoing president Niall Keenan at the Manx sport’s governing body, has stressed the need for the island’s golfing community to work together to pull through the Covid-19 crisis.

In an open letter to local golfers, Pairman stated: ’This is going to be a hard year for all of us and Isle of Man Golf will play its part in trying to support clubs wherever possible.

’We have no financial reserves to help with shortfalls, but will maintain contact with the relevant people in government to see what can be done by them.

’We will endeavour to run as many competitions as possible, but realise that these must now be worked round clubs’ golf weeks, as these will become a very important source of revenue.

’Above all, we will endeavour to listen to each and every club, as we need to work together to survive this crisis together.’

Pairman was also keen to pay tribute to his predecessor and other members of the Isle of Man Golf committee: ’As I start my year in office, I would like to acknowledge my appreciation of the work of my predecessor Niall Keenan, who has contributed fully to golf in the island and the golfers in his year in office.

’He has continued to support and guide the junior golfers at his home course of Mount Murray, overseen the Isle of Man golf championships held in Douglas, travelled with our elite golfers to the Northern Counties at Alnwick whilst playing a full part in overseeing island golf.

’His year has seen many personal changes within Isle of Man Golf, some caused by funding reductions, others by the need to replace individuals for various reasons. His counsel in these matters has been very much appreciated by all involved and I am pleased that he has agreed to stay on the board for the coming year.

’I do believe that we now have a sound structure in place to help Isle of Man Golf in its work to support not only the elite players in the island, but all club golfers.

’Because of the changes that have been made recently within Isle of Man Golf, I felt it was important that we had consistency within the management team, rather than bringing someone new in who would have to start from scratch, as I have.

’Therefore, I asked Phil Hassall to be my president-elect and I am pleased that he accepted.

’Phil is known to many of you and will be continuing as competitions secretary during this coming year. I wish him well in his dual role.

’Andrew Horne stepped in as general secretary when we had to make changes in the middle of last year and his knowledge of the sport has helped us move forward.

’Past president Roy Clague stepped into the chairman’s role when pressure of work and family meant Gail Corrin had to stand down - fortunately, Gail has continued as a board member.

’I look forward to working with them, along with our three new board appointees: Donald Beggs, Paul Eckersley and Victoria Noon.

’I had expected that my appointment as president of Isle of Man Golf would have coincided with the start of the season for competitive golf but, as we all know, that has had to be put on hold and I find myself presiding over very little.

’My hope is that adherence to social distancing rules will help to bring Covid-19 under control within our island in a relatively short period of time and we can get back on to our golf courses.

’Isle of Man Golf lobbied extensively for us to be allowed to play but ultimately we had to follow the rules and accept temporary closure. When the time is right, we will be working on the clubs’ and club members’ behalf to be allowed to resume play.

’Here’s to this being a great golf ing year - whenever we can get started.’