Kent Golf Limited
Faversham stalwart has trophy named in his honour
Date published: 10 Jan 2024
Faversham GC’s Don Abel, a stalwart of the Old Cock Pheasants (OCPs), has had a competition trophy named in his honour in recognition of his work with the seniors' section.
The Don Abel Trophy, an 18-hole greensomes competition, had its inaugural outing recently and was won by Mick Holton and Kevin Funnel.
Mick said: “Don is a mainstay of the OCPs. It’s really a privilege to win this trophy and being the first makes it extra special.”
A sportsman through and through, Don took up golf and joined Faversham at the age of 42.
In his younger days he played football and cricket to a high standard, firstly at Faversham Grammar School and later at Graveney FC in the Canterbury and District League. As well as club football he was also playing hockey, and later cricket for Ethelbert Road Old Boys (EROB).
Being a cricket and hockey man, he took to golf with relative ease and at his best was a 14 handicapper.
When he retired in 2001, he joined the OCPs, because, as he says: “they were a friendly lot.” And over the years has invested a lot of time and energy into the section. He is currently their competition secretary and before that their treasurer for 12 years.
Don recounted this period; “I joined the OCPs and after a few years became their treasurer. It helped as I had been an accountant.
“In 2006 I was asked to be Vice-Captain for the coming year and then had the honour of becoming Captain in 2008. It was a great time, and I enjoyed every minute of it.
“I’ve been competitions secretary since 2020 and have been involved in all the changes to the way they are run now.”
OCPs Captain, Ray Beedle said: “It was our secretary Derek Martin who first suggested the idea of a trophy named for Don. He’s done so much work for the club and our section over the years and continues to do so. I was delighted with the idea, it's our way of thanking him. It’s people like him who keep clubs going and running smoothly.
“We wanted to show Don how much we appreciate the contribution he’s made over the years and put him at the centre. We’re looking forward to many more years of playing for the Don Abel Trophy.”
Don still plays regularly, despite hurting his knee and needing to use a buggy. “I can’t see myself stopping for a long while yet”, he said.
“It was such a surprise to be told what the section wanted to do. It is an honour and nice to be thought of in this way. I’d like to thank the members for all their support over the years.”
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Thank you to June Bevan for sending this story. Have you got a golf related story that you would like to share with the rest of the County? Let us know via info@kentgolf.org, we would love to hear from you!
Mick Holton, Don Able and Kev Funnell
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