Deborah Hood, a 24-handicap golfer, who was taught to play by her husband Dave, the club steward, has astonished the 400-strong membership by winning practically every competition she entered in the ladies' section in 2007.

And to make it a remarkable 12 months for the Hood family, Dave, who plays off 12, scored two hole-in-ones on the testing village course, including holing his tee shot from 306 yards at the 12th, a par four.

Dave also won the men's individual Lightfoot Shield and Christmas Handicap and the parents and juniors' competition partnering his son Andrew, who has only taken up golf since his parents were appointed to the club in March 2006.

Previously, for six years, the Hoods ran the Cock Crow Inn at Mill Lane, Hebburn.

Deb, 42, has been a keen sportswoman and played for Durham Ladies' hockey team.

But she only ever played golf a couple of times as a youngster and it was only when she took up her new job at Alnmouth that she found she had an aptitude for the game.

Under Dave's direction her golf gradually got better and with the encouragement of the ladies' section, she was invited to enter club competitions.

Her collection of trophies is unheard of for a beginner at the village club, which is widely regarded as one of the friendliest clubs in the North East.

Deb's successes in 2007 included winning the Booth Shield, the Women's Institute Cup, the Bronze Division Trophy and Medal, the Ann Covell Trophy, the Alice Fife Salver, the Marshall Cup, the Hugh Percy Greensomes (pairs), the Summer Eclectic Trophy and Lady Player of the Year.

"I'm pleased to say I have been very well received by the ladies' section who have given me every encouragement to join in their competitions. I'm really chuffed," says Deb.

Dave, 50, is also a considerable darts player. He used to play for the Alberta Social Club and Jarrow Crusader teams and also represented both Tyne and Wear and Northumberland at darts over a 20-year period.

He took little time to show his prowess in Alnmouth, winning the village men's singles championship and the mixed pairs with Deborah.

The Hood family have settled in well at Alnmouth after six hectic years as chef/managers on South Tyneside.

"It's a different way of life up here on the Northumberland coast," says Deb.

"It's quieter and more scenic but I still go back to South Shields on a regular basis to meet up with family and friends."

The Hoods have two other children, Ryan, 19, and Kirsty, 18.