HEWORTH Golf Club are under the right captaincy if they are aiming to hit the heights.

The new captain of the club – York’s only city centre course – is Richard White. And besides an eminent 12-handicap player, the retired local government chief is an avid mountain trekker.

But not just any old summit, mind you. It’s not simply a tor in the Lake District or a hill in the Cheviots.

White’s peak practice includes the ultra-high terrain of the Himalayas and the Alps.

Recalling two of his most arduous challenges, he climbed Kala Patar, a 19,000ft peak in the Himalayas, just above the base camp for Everest, in 2005.

Four years later, he scaled Mont Buet, a peak of more than 10,000ft in the French Alps.

After explaining how he first started hill-walking as a hobby 25 years ago before progressing to higher and tougher terrain, he said of his aforementioned Himalayan and Alpine experiences: “Both were challenging.

“The Himalayas was difficult because of the harsh conditions and low oxygen levels and the climb in the Alps was technically difficult with severe climbs.”

Now, though, White is looking forward to flatter ground over the next 12 months as the Heworth GC leader, where the challenges are nearer to home.

His connection to golf started out in Wiltshire after a friend opened a course 20 years ago.

Soon after White moved toYork through work, the Muncastergate-based Heworth GC was his first port of call and he was predictably hooked.

“It’s a great club,” he enthused of the tree-lined course with views of the Minster. “Heworth may only have 11 holes but it’s a strong challenge because it is a tight course requiring accuracy off the tee and in most approach shots.”

Another feel-good factor for White’s links with Heworth is its competitive but friendly nature.

“Everybody knows each other and it’s always been very welcoming,” said the new captain.

“Like many golf clubs we have a challenge in retaining and attracting new members. As an inner city club we have many advantages over other clubs in that it is within easy reach of York residents.”

He was hoping through his year of office to encourage as many players who have not played Heworth to try, declaring: “Come along to the clubhouse, phone 01904 422389 or visit www.heworthgolfclub.co.uk”