INTERVENING in the 166 years of male succession, Prestwick St Nicholas Golf Club have appointed their first lady as Vice-Captain.

Annette Paterson was voted into the position at the club's AGM on Thursday, March 30 and it was later confirmed that she is the first female Caption of the Prestwick Golf Club.

Mrs Paterson, holds a highly successful a career in education and was Principal Teacher and Depute Head of Kingcase Primary School in Prestwick, for 20 years.

The new Vice-Captain was on the committee of the Ladies Section at the golf club for six years, where she was also Captain.

She said: “I am very honoured for this and it is a big step for me and I hope that this could be the start for equal opportunities.

“The clubs vice-captain has been a male for the past 166 years.

“The new Captain, George Davidson, was brave and moved forward with appointing me.

She added that her main aim is to encourage young women and men to join in the Scottish grown sport.

“The main emphasis at the golf club is to attract young men and women because it is vital nowadays.

“We have thriving junior sections with children aged nine and up and we also have a little mix group with boys and girls aged 6-8 years old.

“Young women and men are the future of golf and bringing more into the sport is what we are aiming for.”