This week marks the end of an era as Cornwall County Development Officer Simon Wood moves on to pastures new after 7 years in post.

Simon took up the role in late 2009 and was initially employed by the newly set up Cornwall Golf Partnership (now the Cornwall Golf Development Group (CGDG) before England Golf took up the responsibility for his employment more latterly. The Cornwall Golf Partnership's aim was and remains to develop and increase awareness of the game of golf within the county.

To mark the moment the CGDG in conjunction with the Cornwall Ladies County Golf Association and the Cornwall Golf Union a presentation was made to Simon in the form of an inscribed decanter, glasses and a gift voucher.

Simon was formally thanked for his tremendous contribution to the work of the Partnership and latterly the Development Group. Simon has done an excellent job and had a very definite influence on the development of golf in the county. Golf was in a much better place because of his efforts.  The Group wished Simon every success in the future and in his new job.

In turn Simon thanked the Group for their kind words and for their gifts. He would be sad to leave but it was time to move on to other things. He wished his successor all the very best and also wished the Group good luck for the future.

Simon will be remembered for many things - his engagement with many of the clubs whilst trying to strengthen their membership levels, his energy in attracting people to the game and his close association with junior golf, particularly the county U14 teams. During his period as U14 Manager Simon has nurtured a good number of juniors through the ranks and into the older team groups.

His other exploits as County Development Officer included the creation of a series of TV programmes during which he visited clubs across the county and interviewed owners, secretaries managers, professionals and members alike. These programmes can still be viewed on YouTube.

Simon was a great user of social media in his role tweeting over 15000 messages and gaining over 2,500 followers. Some of those reacted to the end of Simon's term in office.

@LauncestonGolfC tweeted 'Well done Woody, we'll miss ya!'

@MattTucknott tweeted 'There will only ever be one Mr Wood, fantastic County Golf Development Officer #TVStar #TopBloke #FamousFriend'

@jonbijou tweeted 'best of luck Woody. Bravo on a successful seven years. You've made a massive difference to @WestCornwallGC'

Simon now moves on to a new venture with WeDoGolf who offer an all encompassing golf service, running golf days from start to finish, and also organising golf breaks for small and large groups in the UK and Europe.

Simon said "I would like to thank everyone for the help and support I have received over the last 7 years as Cornwall Golf Development Officer. I have made a new of close friends over the years within this role."

Good Luck Simon!

The picture above shows Simon with Angela Anderson (CLCGA Secretary), Pat Crowson (England Golf Board and CGDG member, CGU President Glyn Rowett and CGDG Chairman Gerry Fitter.