HEADING FOR THE COAST: Tony Mason, professional at The York for 23 years, is moving on to Whitby

After 23 years at The York the seaside is beckoning for professional Tony Mason.

Mason, who takes his leave later this month, is to take over as professional at Whitby Golf Club where he replaces Richard Wood, who is seeking a club in West Yorkshire.

Mason, who was York champion in 1975 and 1989, is looking forward to taking up his new post on April 29 but also has regrets at leaving York.

"I have had a lot of happy times at Strensall and have made many friends, so naturally there is a little sadness about my move," said Mason.

"But this is a good opportunity and it means I will be working much nearer our home in West Barnby, which is just north of Whitby, and it will save me 96 miles travelling each day.

"I have enjoyed my time at the club, the highlight probably when we had the team of Howard Stephenson, Stephen East, John Tavener and John Donaldson doing so well in the Yorkshire inter-union championship a few years back.

"We won the third and second divisions in the same year and then were runners-up in division one."

The York club secretary Steve Watson said: "We shall all be very sorry to see Tony depart after 23 loyal years.

"Tony took over from Arthur Howell in August 1977 and is one of only four professionals in the 110-year history of our club.

"Our members and committee wish Tony every success in his new position."

The 45-year-old was assistant to Bryan Hessey at Fulford from 1973 to 1976 and then assistant to Howell before taking over when Howell retired.

For the past two years he has been coach to the Yorkshire women's and North of England women's teams and will continue in these posts, though he relinquishes coaching the county girls team.

"We are absolutely delighted to be getting Tony as our new professional," said Whitby club secretary Terry Graham.

"We had about 20 applicants and reduced that to a shortlist of eight, but quite frankly he was the outstanding candidate."

The Mason dynasty looks set to continue with Tony's 21-year-old daughter, Lisa, who plays off a five handicap, captaining the Oxford University side to a success over Cambridge in the Varsity match at Walton Heath, where she won both her singles and foursomes matches by impressive five and four margins.

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