THE Association of Kent Veteran Golfers launch their new season on Monday, March 4, with the Emerton-Court Trophy at Littlestone, near Hythe. The event is regarded as the county over-60s club championship with teams of six playing in pairs on a foursomes basis.

The trophy is named after the association's founder and president Gordon Emerton-Court, who continues to support the association's activities despite being the oldest member at 95.

Mr Emerton-Court, who lives at New Romney, established the Kent association after moving to the county seven years ago. He had previously formed a similar association in Devon which is still going strong 35 years on.

Around 80 golfers attended the inaugural meeting of the Kent association, but membership has now risen to almost 700. Membership is restricted to men aged 60 and over who are members of clubs affiliated to the Kent County Golf Union.

The aim of the association is to promote, maintain the standards and increase the interest of members in golf and encourage associated social activities with a view to aiding Kentish charities. Last year the association raised £1,000 for the Kent Air Ambulance Trust.

This year's captain is Littlestone member Dick Brook, with Malcolm Cook, of Woodlands Manor, his vice-captain. Don Bower, one of around 50 members of the association from Canterbury, is publicity officer.

Membership of association costs £2 per year with entry fees separate. Further details may be obtained from secretary/treasurer E. Glyn Thomas (phone 01303 267183), membership secretary Gerry Morris (01843 846385), or publicity officer Don Bower (01227 454227).

Full fixture list: March 4 Emerton-Court Trophy, Littlestone; March 21 Saga Trophy, Chart Hills; May 10 Spring Trophy, Chestfield; June 12 Derek Ruthven Trophy, Langley Park; July 10 Kent v Devon, Wildernesse; July 29 The John Bailey Trophy. Wildernesse; August 20 Morris Trophy, Canterbury; September 23 Captain's Day, Littlestone.