They were watched by club members and friends, who supported them in force in spite of the big freeze.

They have taken over from John Nicholas and Julie Howes.

The new vice-captains are Vince Thomas and Lynn Ockenden.

A greensome competition was played to celebrate the occasion.

That was won by Terry and Sandie Jackson, with Derek Bott and Rob Harris, runners-up; Peter Borgeat and club joint proprietor David Croxton were third.

* Market Harborough GC has launched a new winter promotion.

Visiting golfers who take advantage of this could find that they are able to play another 183 days free of charge.

The club '183' Winter Offer includes a chance to grab a club membership worth more than £500.

It therefore means there could well be a lot more hanging on a game at Market Harborough this winter than simply the bragging rights over a group of friends.

The 183 offer includes 18 holes for £19.95. Included in the deal, visitors can also choose from a selection of dishes from a special winter offer menu, served with a choice of either tea or coffee.

Every visitor will also receive a free two for one voucher to come back and play the course again and a free entry into a draw for a temporary club membership. This will give unlimited golf until the end of September 2010.

The 183 promotion runs from now until March 19.

All tee times have to be booked and are available on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays and after lunchtimes on Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. To book, phone 01858 463684. Full details of the winter offer are on the club website (www.mhgc.co.uk).

* Craig Shave (Whetstone), a former Lutterworth GC assistant pro, heads the Leicestershire County Golf Alliance Professional Order of Merit at the halfway point of the 2009/10 season.

Shave, who topped the PGA Midland Order of Merit last season, has a total of 45.5 points in his successful start to the Alliance fixtures.

Before the traditional midwinter break he had been first or joint top, in the pro medal on no fewer than three occasions.

These included two outright victories - at Cosby and Melton Mowbray. He was also runner-up, or tied second, in pro medals three times.

In the Order of Merit Clive Fromant (CF Golf Academy), with 34.5 pts, is second at the break.

Ian Lyner (The Leicestershire), on 32 pts, is third, with Bob Larratt (Kibworth) fourth on 25pts.

Ollie Johnson (Charnwood Golf Centre) has 21.5 pts and Kieran Thomas (Ullesthorpe Court) 18pts, completing the top six places.

Jamie Voss (Western Park) leads the amateurs OOM with his haul of 38pts.