The generation game

Three generations at Saddleworth Golf Club, (from the right) Frank Pullen(president) Dave Pullen (captain) and Stepen (17 ) and Ben (11).

DAVE PULLEN’S captaincy at Saddleworth coincides with his father Frank serving as president of the club.

Indeed, the Pullen family are inexorably linked with Saddleworth as four generations of the family have been at the club.

Dave’s grandfather was Dickie Thomas, the late greenkeeper, while his sons Stephen and Ben are also members.

Six-handicapper Dave became a member at Saddleworth at the age of six having been brought up on the course.

“I have photographs of me sitting on the tractor with my grandfather on the course as a young boy,” he explained.

At the age of 41, Dave is also believed to be Saddleworth’s youngest-ever captain while Stephen, also a six handicapper, was junior captain last year.

Dave, whose handicap has been as low as three, has enjoyed considerable success, winning the Oldham and District Championship, Oldham Centenary Trophy, Junior Chronicle Cup (twice) and at least half a dozen majors at Saddleworth.

He will be raising funds for his charity, the Royal Oldham Hospital’s ‘Link4Pink Appeal.’

A sales manager, Dave lives in Lees with his wife Jenny and their golfing sons Stephen and Ben.