AFTER more than 25 years as one of Hampshire’s leading administrators Barry Morgan, a former Major in the Army, is standing down from his post as Hampshire Golf Union president.

But the former Liphook Golf Club secretary, who served at the Wheatsheaf Enclosure for 17 years and spent seven years as county secretary before his three-year spell as president, is already enjoying his new Battle – after swapping his long-time Hill Brow home for retirement by the Sussex coast at Battle, near Hastings.

Barry bowed out at the Hampshire Golf Union annual general meeting and handed the badge of office to Blackmoor’s John Moore, who has run the county’s junior set up for the past four years.

He leaves the county’s elite squads in probably the strongest shape in the modern history of the amateur game – and with more competitive golf being played at junior, colts, men’s and senior’s level than ever before, effectively in Hampshire’s 121-year history.

The men’s first team reached the English County Finals for the fifth time in nine years in 2015, shared the South East Colts title the Under 21s took from Essex on their own soil 12 months ago when the group final was played at Rowlands Castle in October, while the juniors missed out at the English Boys Finals for the third time in four years.

And the seniors reached the South East Group Final for the second time since 2009, finally getting the better of all-conquering Kent to set up a shoot-out with Hertfordshire, which the over-55s narrowly lost four months ago.

That record easily eclipses that of arch-rivals Surrey, Kent and Essex, who have been the powerhouses of the 11-counties strong South East Division since 2000.

The president is the figurehead who is seen out on the course supporting the county captain and players and representing Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and Channel Islands at the majority of England Golf’s championships and tournaments.

But while the county captain and their appointed coaches shape and guide the players who wear Hampshire’s colours, it is the man at the top who sets the tone and gives the lead at the golf union’s own tournaments and inter-county matches.

And the former military man has been an upstanding and very proud figure out on the course, having seen Corhampton’s Scott Gregory reach the English Amateur final last year and American college student Billy McKenzie, from Rowlands Castle, pick up The Berkshire Trophy – one of golf’s most prestigious titles and trophies, at Ascot, in June.

He said: “Believe you me there is no better feeling when you are at an event and it is a Hampshire team or player who has won.

“And it is even better when it happens on such a regular basis as it has over the last three years.

“I would like to thank all the individuals and clubs for the support I have had not just as county president but also as county secretary.

“However, the person I am most grateful to is my wife Shirley as without her blessing and support, my career in golf which began as secretary of Liphook back in 1989, would not have been possible.”

Tales of golf widows are legendary but Shirley’s rock solid support has been even more invaluable over the past 12 months following his quadruple heart bypass operation nearly a year ago.

He managed to stay away from the golf course for a couple of months – under strict doctor’s orders and he managed to comply despite a lifetime of giving orders rather than receiving them.

His recovery and return to fitness was tested by another long list of engagements – lengthened by the county’s success in reaching two regional and two national finals and preparing for his move to Sussex.

He told club secretaries and representatives at the annual general meeting: “I am eternally grateful to you all for having placed your faith in me when you elected me as county president three years ago.”

He also paid tribute to the county’s sponsors – Basingstoke-based TaylorMade Adidas – who have kitted out the county teams in their distinctive light blue shirts – bearing the red emblem of a Hampshire Hog – and their dark blue trousers and caps.

“I say it every year and make no apologies for saying it again – the number of compliments we get from other counties with regard to how smart our teams look makes one feel incredibly proud.

“It would also be very remiss of me if I did not take this opportunity of thanking all those clubs that have hosted our county championships, league matches and training days.

“Without exception the support that we get from clubs, their members and staff, is second to none and the county golf union is eternally grateful to you all.”