Ben’s on course for his ambition
WILMSLOW assistant professional Ben Stanier (pictured) made the decision at a young age to become a qualified PGA professional rather than continue with a career as a full-time player.
Now at 21 years of age he is well on track to achieve his ambition as he has become a PGA professional.
Ben said: “I first tried golf at the age of 13 and it took me four seasons to get my handicap from 40 to +1 playing at Peover and Wilmslow and I represented Cheshire boys for two seasons- aged 16-18.
“I won various scratch and handicap board competitions at Wilmslow and finished in the top five in both Cheshire boys and Cheshire stroke-play competitions but I have yet to win as a professional on the PGA North Region circuit.
“I have worked with Wilmslow professional Matthew Gillingham for six years- he coached me as a junior and then provided outstanding assistance and guidance through my time at Myerscough College and the PGA course and I have also had continuous sup- port from friends.
“I will now look to further my qualifications as a PGA professional and achieve a higher status and compete in the North Region as a player.
“My ultimate aim is to become the head professional at a golf club, develop my coaching further and become a wellknown short game coach.”
A Pairs Stableford at Shrigley Hall was won by R Burrow and P Duffy with an excellent haul of 46 points taking them clear of Howard Stringer and A family and Ellis 43 and M Lisle, N Rainford, S Brooks and T Luck and A Brennan and T Wrigley all 42.
A Thursday Stableford at Shrigley was won by Janet Gates with 40 points, three more than Steve Wells, Martin Hill and Keith Fieldstead all 37.
A ‘Bring and Take’ Sta- bleford at Mottram Hall was led in by Sam Stapleton with 43 points from Andy Stubbens 42 and Graham Roche, Nigel Meadows and Cheshire star Mike Harrington, all 41.
The ever-busy Styal Seniors played the latest round of their Winter League and some great scores were led in by Daniel Touhy with 47 points from David Bate 45 and Alan Carroll and the everreliable Harry Reid, all 44.
Former Styal Captain Ivan Bloor showed his class in a Wednesday Stableford winning with 24 points from Joe Bradshaw 23 and Gary Matthews and Mike Burchell, both 22.
Styal ladies were in singles Stableford action with Lynn Guy top of the shop with 29 points from Diana Prow and Sue Grange, both 27.
A League of Merit qualifier for Prestbury’s men was won by Melvyn Williams and Ian Rennison with their 48-point haul taking them clear of Richard Johnson and Gerry English 47 and Eamonn McGrath and Brian Purves and Edward Pysden and Richard Payne, all 45.
A BB Stableford for Wilmslow’s men was won by Michael Williams and Andrew Kay with 49 points from Alan Sibley and Phil Wicks 48 and Andrew Monk and Kulvinder Panesar 47.
Haydock Park Golf Club survived a night of torrential rain and the attendance of past Captain Doug Craig to provide a course in great condition and with superb greens for another strong and full field.
Birchwood’s Phil Archer kept up the form he showed at High Legh Park last week as he hit the bullseye of being top individual pro and winner of the pro am section.
He posted 40 points to top the individual pro section one point ahead of Colin Maroney (Bolton Old Links) and Olly Smith (Ashton-on-Mersey).
Then with his Dunham Forest partner Mark Harding Phil led in the pro am section with 45 points putting them clear of Chorlton duo Adam Hodkinson and Danny Gathercole 44 and Colin Maroney and Andy Fletcher (Bolton Old Links) 43.
The top assistant pro prize was shared on 38 points by Adam Hodkinson, Andy Palmer (Chorley) and Rob Batchelor (Stand), all 38.
Leading in the am am section were Stand’s powerful duo of Norman Haslam and James Parton with 43 points from Andy Charnock and Craig Cuthbert (Fairfield) 42 and Stamford stars Danny Fox and Steve Finan 40.
Manchester Giants Basketball Club are looking for entries to a charity golf day that will support their junior teams which cover age-group sofr 12-18 and currently have over 150 players.
The golf day will be at Withington Golf Club on Friday May 5 with a shotgun start from 12.15pm and for teams of four of any make-up - men, ladies or mixed.
For more information or to book a slot the contact is John Dwan on email jdwan@manchestergiants.com or tel 0161 945 9626.
There is also a Turkey Trot Golf Day for teams of four available at Tytherington Golf Club on Friday December 23 and for more details contact the events team on 01625 506012.
There is also plenty of festive offers now available at Mottram Hall during December and January as well as their other QHotel golf resorts.
For more info check out the website www.qhotels. co. uk/ offers/ offer/ golfoffers/ twixmas- golfbreak.