Kevin Stevens, current Secretary/Manager of Holywood Golf club, has been appointed the new General Secretary of the Ulster Branch of the Golfing Union of Ireland.

Officers and Council members of the Ulster Branch yesterday confirmed Stevens, a six-handicapper at the Rockmount club, Carryduff, will take over from former Irish international and ex-national team manager Brendan Edwards in February.

Edwards, a double winner of the North of Ireland amateur championship and also successful in winning many Irish Senior Cup medals with Shandon Park Golf Club, recently announced his retirement.

Stevens has many years experience of administration, having been employed as Secretary Manager at both Massereene and Holywood Golf Clubs. He is also the Handicap Secretary at Rockmount.

Stevens has served on both the Council and the Match and Handicapping Committee of the Ulster Branch and has attended and passed the Rules Schools Examinations at both the Golfing Union of Ireland and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews.