The Durham County Golf Union broke new ground by naming European Tour winner Graeme Storm as an honorary vice-president at its annual meeting.
The honour is a first for Durham, and it’s believed to be the first time a tour professional has been so honoured anywhere in England.
Durham decided to ask Storm to become one of their group of vice-presidents in recognition of his achievements in golf – both as an amateur player with Hartlepool and Durham County and as a pro in a career which, so far, has seen him win the French Open and last year’s BMW South African Open in a playoff with Rory McIlroy.
The former Walker Cup player and 1999 British Amateur champion has always remained true to his Hartlepool and Durham County roots. He has been a staunch supporter of the amateur scene in the North East, particularly at junior level with his own Graeme Storm Junior Open and links with both Dyke House and Thorp Academy where he coaches and mentors young golfers.
The honour was conferred on Storm at the Durham County AGM at Ramside Hall and his wife Sara was there to receive his official badge and tie from county president John Kirk, as Storm was unable to be there because of his involvement in the Dubai Desert Classic. On the honour, he said: “It’s a great privilege and honour and I look forward to working the Durham County Union again in the future.”
At the AGM, John Kirk was elected for a second year as president, Trevor Bowman (Ramside) was elected to the executive and John Sanderson (Beamish Park) was re-elected.
