It hasn't taken Dennis Pulford long to find another niche in golf administration since his retirement last month as secretary-treasurer of the Sussex County Union.

Pulford, 69, is now busier than ever with his new job as hon secretary of the United Kingdom Senior Golf Association. This is something entirely fresh on the amateur scene and fills a gap in the market for 55s with respectable handicaps and are members of clubs affiliated to the English Golf Union and equivalent bodies in Scotland and Wales.

The idea of such an association has been floating around for almost seven years and is the brainchild of Donald Holmes, a Poole doctor who head-hunted Pulford when learning of his impending retirement.

Dr Holmes, a past president of Dorset CGU, sees the objects of the association as promoting, encouraging and fostering the game among oldies who do not necessarily have to be golden.

Pulford said: "I consider the association to be an exciting addition to amateur golf activities in the UK."

He envisages a time in the not too distant future when there will be a seniors tour.

He said: "We are not at all in conflict with the EGU and I firmly believe there is a call for such an organisation among golfers of this age group."

A former secretary at Copthorne and East Brighton, Pulford became county members' secretary in 1984 and was appointed to head the Sussex administration four years later.

County officials are to discuss a successor later this month.