The Hickmans are off to Canberra where Jonathan will take a full time position as golf pro at Belconnen Golf Course from September 2.

“Belconnen has about three times more members and green fee players than Eden,” Hickman said.

“I’ll be doing pretty much the same thing but I’ll be a bit busier,” he said.

Mr Hickman said they have made many great friends here since his first day at Eden Gardens Country Club on December 1, 2001.

“Only another 28.5 years and I would have been a local!” he said.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time down here, serving the members and hopefully I provided a friendly an competitive environment here in the golf shop,”

Hickman said Eden’s golfers will stay on par under the guidance of the two new golf pros Lisa Newling and Loraine Lambert.

“I’m pleased that it takes two women to do a man’s job,” he laughed.

“On serious note, I know they’ll do a great job and will continue working with the juniors and the programs we have here.”

Hickman wished trainee Peta the very best of luck for the future.

Her studies will continue with Newling and Lambert and the three girls look forward to getting out on the course for the ladies Wednesday competition.

Newling and Lambert have been operating the Sapphire Coast Golf School at Mandeni for the past 12 months.

“We love the area and will be continuing all the programs that Jonathan has in place,” Newling said.

Lambert said she was, “Looking forward to meeting the members, playing golf and maybe lawn bowls too.”

Eden Fishermen’s Recreation Club manager Peter Cook gave the ladies a warm welcome though they were unable to entice him into a game of golf.

He prefers to cruise around the course once a week via golf buggy, chatting to players and avoiding the frustrations some associate with golf.

“The Eden Fishermen’s Recreation Club was delighted to receive such a quality application with Lisa and Loraine having experienced such a wealth of experience and achievement,” he said.

“We welcome Lisa and Loraine to our club and Eden and believe they will strengthen the services that are offered to our members and visitors alike.

“It is a very exciting time for the Country Club having progressively improved sporting facilities and financial success this year.

“We look forward to a long and prosperous association and wish Lisa and Loraine every success,” Mr Cook said.