It was good to see how well Andy Sullivan played to gain his European Tour card just last week and his success will show both our best players, and every Warwickshire junior, how dedication and the grounding of amateur golf has then led him to what we all hope will be a successful professional career.

We have a number of players in their early 20s who show some real promise, talent which came to the fore in our remarkable success in qualifying for the County Finals. That team learnt from the finals themselves and are desperate to have another 'shot' at national success - as well as going one better than our two runner's up spots in the Midland Leagues.

Our best only achieve their successes through hard work practising, lessons, going to the gym and the like. I am told that this sort of thing is actually very good for the rest of us but my golf is all about the camaraderie and life-long friendships that come with being a member of a golf club, and I really enjoy my regular walks in the fresh air over a beautiful course, or should I say golf courses as I do try and play at other clubs and with our new County Card facility, much reduced green fees are available to every member of a golf club in Warwickshire.

Just click the 'County Card' button to the right of this article and you can find out all you need to know about the individual County Card you will be receiving with your membership of a Warwickshire Club in 2012. It's a chance to receive discounts of mostly 50%, or even more, to play at over 1000 clubs across England. Your County Card can take you to clubs nearby, or for trips away as far as the North East and West, or Devon and Kent. And there are additional benefits to be had as well from our affiliates ? please register on the County Card page to find out more!

Times are difficult and the future uncertain for more and more people. I wish you all a wonderful Festive Season and do hope that 2012 offers you opportunity and success both on and off the course. Next year's major sports will be dominated by 'The Greatest Show on Earth' in the form of the Olympics but you can be assured that the Warwickshire Union will, in addition to working for you (as everyday Warwickshire Club members), be supporting our Counties most talented players in all their endeavours as they seek to create their own little bits of golfing history, and hopefully lay the foundations for more great things to come.

Pictured: Your President with the President Elect John Jewsbury, at this year's Annual Dinner