Kevin Weeks has accepted an unprecedented fourth year as Hampshire's golfing captain.

Predecessors have served for four years in the past, but not in succession.

They have done it in two different two-year spells.

Weeks was ready for a third year at the recent annual meeting of the Hampshire, Isle of Wight and Channel Islands Union - and ended up agreeing to do a fourth one as well!

The Brokenhurst Manor giant, pictured left, who will celebrate his 30th year as a county player in 2005, said: "It's an honour to be asked to carry on for four years, but I'm enjoying it, we have a good team with young players coming through, so why change it?"

When he first took over as captain two years ago, the former English champion wondered what effect it would have on his game.

But he says it has all been positive. "I actually started playing better after taking on the captaincy," he smiles and his record bears him out. Weeks was Hampshire's joint top scorer this year and outright top scorer in 2003.

The only South East League match Hampshire lost was when a back injury sidelined him from the opening fixture against Dorset. They fought their way back into the title issue only to lose out on countback to eventual champions Kent for a second year running.

Biggest bonus during the 2004 season was the emergence of young players like Sam Hutsby, Jonathan Watt and Sam Boyes.

All three were given their league debut against Kent and all won. Hutsby topped off a terrific year by earning a call-up into the England under-16 team and playing against Scotland.

"It's good that we have good youngsters coming through. It stops any complacency in the more established players and keeps them on their toes," says Weeks, who has the support of a new captain elect in Andy Bow. The Stoneham ace is a wise old head who has been around the county scene for several years. Although no longer a regular in the side he still comes in and does a good job when required.

Weeks's ambition is win back the South Easat League tittle which has eluded him since he took over the reins.

Hampshire fixtures for 2005: Dorset (Liphook) May 9, Sussex (North Hants) June 27, Surrey (St George's Hill) August 8, Kent (Broke Hill) August 28. South East Counties qualifier (Stoke Park) July 2.