Gp Capt ‘Q’ Dixon
Chairman, RAFGA Executive Committee
Handicap:
5
Home Club: Moor Park GC
Question to Q:
When did you first swing a golf club?
QD: Age 12, with many gaps since then mainly due Service commitments or a young
family!
Q2Q: Do you have a favourite aspect of golf? What is it about the game you love?
QD: A couple if I may…… Firstly, I find it deeply satisfying to hit a good golf shot. To
strike a long iron well and see the ball bound onto the green and come to rest near the
hole is a great feeling. Secondly, the camaraderie of playing a competitive sport,
almost always with good company, in aesthetically great surroundings is superb and a
fantastic way to spend one’s leisure time.
Q2Q: Have you ever had a hole-in-one?
QD: No, after 37 years of trying…..
Q2Q: Do you have a specific on-course golfing highlight that you will always
remember?
QD: My approach shot to the 18th at St Andrews, which drew a round of applause
from the watching gallery. Inevitably I missed the putt….
Q2Q: What’s your favourite course and why?
QD: Spring Island, near Hilton Head, South Carolina. It has spectacular views, very
varied wildlife (including alligators) and is a great test of golf.
Q2Q: Have you ever been on a golf tour?
QD: Scotland a few times.
Q2Q: Have you ever been to a pro tournament?
QD: A couple of times. I like to think that I play reasonably well but there is such a
gulf between even the very lowest handicap amateur golfers and the pros – I find their
ability to deal with the pressure most inspiring.
Q2Q: What are your predictions for this year’s Open?
QD: I’m not a betting man but, I really sense a good year for the Brits at the Open –
following great performances in the Ryder Cup, Justin Rose and Rory McIlroy in
particular finished 2014 looking very strong. I would love a favourite of mine, Lee
Westwood, to return to top form and snatch himself a major at the home of golf.
Q2Q: Getting on to your role as RAFGA Chairman, what are your hopes for RAF golf
this summer?
QD: For the weather to be kind and conditions to be favourable so that all golfers,
whatever their standard, can enjoy a great season. However, we all aspire to reach
the pinnacle of our game and for Service golf it is the Inter-Service Championships
held every September. I hope that with effective planning and preparation, combined
with the talent that I know we have, we can retain the both the Men’s and Ladies’ titles
which were won so convincingly last year at Saunton. As ever, I anticipate hardfought, highly competitive RAF Individual Championships – the match-play version
being held at an old RAF favourite Torksey in June and the stroke-play version being
held in July at a new location for us, Ganton near Scarborough.
Q2Q: What sort of state is the RAFGA in?
QD: There are 2 distinct sides to the RAFGA. Firstly there is our Membership Scheme
through which we provide our members with a number of benefits, primarily excellent
value golf insurance, but also £100 for an in-competition hole-in-one, access to Unit
coaching grants and the RAFGA magazine, twice yearly. The Membership Scheme goes
from strength-to-strength with approximately 1800 members and with annual
subscriptions being held at £10 again this year. This is impossible-to-beat value for
money – every golfer in the Air Force should become a member! The second aspect is
the effective running and leadership of RAF golf by the RAFGA Executive Committee on
behalf of the RAF Sports Board. I have been fortunate to inherit a well run and
professional team, with excellent people who continue to volunteer their time in
support of our goals. I will endeavour to maintain this professional ethos as well as
encouraging every one involved to enjoy this unique opportunity. We will aim to
continue to provide effective advice to station OICs and to deliver what is a very
comprehensive fixture list allowing access to the sport by all abilities.
Q2Q: What is the RAFGA’s biggest challenge currently?
QD: With no public money going into RAF golf, we have always been heavily
dependant on the invaluable support of the RAF Sports Board and our commercial
sponsors. However, it will come as no surprise that both Sports Board funding and
sponsorship are under increasing pressure. We therefore, have to continue to be
prudent so that we can continue to enjoy playing at high quality golf course around the
UK.
Q2Q: Any message for the RAF golfers reading this interview?
QD: I cannot resist trying to promote the RAF Membership Scheme, so that has to be
my first message – if you are not already a member, please consider joining, it really
should be a no-brainer! The other message would be that we, your Committee, are
very keen to make a difference and would welcome any comments you might want to
make. Contact details of the Committee are on our website. Finally I wish everyone a
successful and enjoyable golfing season.
‘Q’
20 Jan 15