FOUR-TIME Olympic gold medallist Sir Matthew Pinsent hailed the changes to Stoke Park golf course as he completed his honorary presidency at the prestigious Buckinghamshire club.

Pinsent, 45, wrote his name in British sporting history when he won rowing gold in four successive Olympic Games between 1992 and 2004, having already won nine golds in the World Championships.

He was subsequently knighted in the New Year’s honours list of 2004.

Three of his Olympic golds were won in tandem with Sir Steve Redgrave and it was his rowing partner who introduced him to golf in 1990.

A little more than two decades later, Pinsent was asked to take on the presidency of Stoke Park.

He recalled: “I came to Stoke Park and played in a few charity golf days. I remember Tim Henman had a charity day here around 2001. I came here as a guest and got to know the place well.

“I already knew Stuart Collier (director of golf) and Chester King (director) then asked me to be president of the club.

“Of course, I agreed, and we started coming down as a family. My sons go to school very near and we can come down and use the facilities. I get them hitting a few balls every now and then.

Slough Observer:

PHOTO: Sir Matthew Pinsent on the practice putting green at Stoke Park.

“It’s been good to get to know some of the members for the midweek roll-up, and to be involved with the prize-giving nights. We also had a big fundraiser for the Prince’s Trust and the Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

“The recent changes to the course are fantastic. It’s testament to Chester and the King family. They are totally involved with the place and the level of investment they’ve put in is extraordinary.

“I just love the place. It’s been an honour to be president. You look at the board and see the others who have done it and think ‘wow!’. It’s been wonderful.”

As one sporting legend famed for his strokes leaves the office, another stroke-maker takes his place, with the former England cricket captain Andrew Strauss picking up the mantle in 2017.

Collier said: “It’s been an absolute delight to have Sir Matthew as club president for the last five years.

“As as sports fan, it is always been a thrill to be in the presence of such a British Olympic legend, but it’s a joy knowing him and his lovely family on a personal level.

“He’s been a very active president, immersing himself in the many events and fundraisers we have here at Stoke Park, and was hugely popular with the members.

“Hopefully he will continue to be an active member in his ‘retirement’.”