Background
The role of County Volunteer is both beneficial to the person and the County, with well-known benefits for personal well-being.
There are so many different opportunities for a volunteer in Hertfordshire, from ball spotters and starters at events to team captains and board members, with so much in between.
We sat down with Richard Blanchflower who looks after player development in the county to discuss his background in golf, his outside interests, vision for the county, plus the challenges/opportunities for all!
Sit back, relax, grab a coffee and enjoy our conversation ……
Interview
Interviewer
- How long have you been involved in golf and a volunteer in Hertfordshire?
My first introduction to golf was caddying for my father when I was 15 at Wentworth way back in 1967.
Football and Cricket were my first love and as many cricketers do, I progressed back to golf and joined Brookmans Park when we moved to the area.
With three sons and a daughter, I soon got involved as a Junior organiser at the club, which I did for 16 years. I became a golf referee as a volunteer for the county and with Louis’ encouragement I joined the board at the time of Covid.
Player development is my role, and I inherited a very sound and stable system, which I will be handing over to Karen Bond in March.
- What is your role as a volunteer, within the area of player development? What does it involve?
I work with all the team managers (8 teams in total) and coaches. Coaches are there to assist and help build teamwork. We have a budget to manage, and we ensure we get the best out of these funds. I do try and attend events, impossible to attend them all and it is not expected, we are all volunteers after all, and I like to get a game of golf in too now and again.
- Under your role in player development, what do you see as the major challenges for 2025?
It’s hard to get our strongest players out for every game, with many in college in the USA. Of course, it is about winning but that is not the be all and end all. Creating that team spirit is essential. It’s of course much easier when winning.
- What is your style as a Manager?
I’m there to support and get the right resources in place with the help of a very supportive board. I am there to set the framework and I don’t get involved in team selections. I am keen on continuity management and to bring managers and volunteers through the system. For example, Gerald Duddy has progressed to Manager now of the U18 boys. Planning is one of my strengths and being an essential link to the board.
- What was the most enjoyable / rewarding event in 2024?
There really are so many, I enjoyed the Girls County Week at Brocket Hall, Plus the Elite Women at Felixstowe Ferry. The U14’s also at Girton GC. Seeing the youngsters play to such a high standard, with boys and girls both doing so well is very encouraging.
- What are your next key commitments for the county?
As mentioned, I will be handing over to the capable hands of Karen Bond in the new year, but I will still be on hand to lend support and guidance.
- Does it all go quiet between now and April?
It is the quieter time with team managers getting involved in organising coaching sessions.
- Are there any key initiatives that need to be prioritised?
It’s crucial to get ALL the clubs involved, which is difficult when there are demands on clubs, but we do need their support to host events. Hosting an event is great prestige for the clubs too. We have some very supportive clubs overall. Participation is key and I would urge all golfers to consider coming to a Hertfordshire event in whatever capacity. There is something for all golfers.
- What in your view is Hertfordshire’s greatest strength?
Our board is very strong and stable, working efficiently for ALL the counties golfers enjoyment, not just the elite players.
- Other than golf, what are your other great life passions?
I’m keen on most sports, particularly football and cricket. We originally lived in Warwickshire, so naturally Warwickshire County Cricket was where I gravitated to. My first match was in 1961 when the county faced the Australians (those were the days when the touring team played the counties). That was the team of Bill Lawry and Richie Benaud.
On the Football front, my mother’s family were Villa fans so I could have gravitated to Aston Villa,
But I settled for Tottenham Hotspur, with the first match attended Vs Wolves in 1957 as a 5-year-old, my Dad obviously had a major influence on who I followed.
- Who would be in your dream 4 Ball?
It would have to be my Dad, Ben Hogan and Tom Watson
- Other than your home course, which course would you go back to and play again?
Without hesitation, Ballybunion, could be the venue for the dream 4 ball as it’s one of Tom Watson’s favourites and where he would practice before heading to our Open.
- What is your choice of golf ball and why?
In winter it would be the Srixon soft feel and in summer it would be a Vice (a good alternative to the Pro V1)
- What’s the longest iron in your bag?
It would be a 5 iron
- How many wedges do you carry?
A traditional PW, Gap Wedge, 56- and 60-degree wedges, so 4 in total
- When was the last time you took a lesson?
I would be a regular visitor to the range on the A1, near Borehamwood, last lesson was probably 3-4 years ago.
- What’s the last thing you watched on Netflix / Streamed?
It was probably the football on Amazon Prime.
- Facebook / Twitter or Instagram?
Not really a contributor to these platforms, although I will follow posts from the county.
- Kindle or the feel of a book?
I do read a lot, and happy to say I do find a Kindle to be the most practical, especially if travelling. Anything by Mick Herron and Slow Horses. Plus The Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz.
- Golf Holiday or a complete get away from golf?
Golf based would be my choice, have particularly enjoyed my regular trips to Belek in Turkey, great quality golf and all-inclusive works well. But I would recommend to any keen golfer that the best place to holiday as a golfer would need to be In Scotland or Ireland.
- And finally, what would be your message to someone considering Volunteering with the County?
I would encourage golfers to consider giving something back to the game that gives so much. There are so many opportunities to Volunteer in the county, it’s a friendly environment and we certainly don’t practice a win at all cost mentality. We recognise people play golf for so many reasons, with the social aspect of volunteering being high on the agenda
Get in touch with the County and become involved
Interviewer: Thanks so much for your time ….. , I am sure you will continue to be a great ambassador and asset to the great county of Hertfordshire and let’s hope we can encourage others to follow in your “spikes” and become Hertfordshire Volunteers.
If you are interested in learning more about the county, check out the webpage
