Salver worth the wait at Stockport GC

STOCKPORT Golf Club was in fine condition as it staged the 36-hole scratch competition for the Stockport Salver and the final part of the Cheshire Cat competition with a string of fine scores coming from some of the quality players taking part.

Poor weather had caused the Salver to be postponed for two weeks after the opening 36 holes in the Wilmslow Crow had been won by James Newton (Prestbury) who was unavailable to play in the second stage at Stockport.

But Newton’s Cheshire team mate Tom Dolan (Heswall) showed his class as he notched up 14 birdies in his two rounds giving him scores of 68+66= 134 to finish one shot clear of Ian Kenwright (Haydock Park) with Jon Beesley (Mere) next in with 136.

But as Dolan had not played at Wilmslow the Cheshire Cat moved into Red Rose territory being won by Ian Kenwright with a 272 total for 72 holes taking him well clear of Ben Hall (Wychwood) Park) and Sam Turner (Royal Lytham) both 279.

It was Dolan’s fourth win in the Galvin Green Northern Order of Merit and moved him 120 points clear at the top of the OoM table taking over from Cheshire team mate Sam Prince (Northenden) after 17 events.

StockportGolf Club Captain David Hall set a new mark for the club by becoming the first-ever Captain in 110 years to play in his own Captain’s Day.

One of his prizes on the day was the nearest the pin on the 164-yard 16th hole and he duly set a standard which may never be repeated.

He used a five-iron off the tee and his tee shot went straight into the hole for an ace well viewed at the nearby clubhouse by delighted members.

It was David’s second-ever ace, the first being in 1978.

The winner of Captain’s Day was Matthew Knighton with 68 ahead of Paul Williams, Peter Humphries, Ian Gemmell and Matt Davies.

Stockport’s men played a Par competition for the Nuttall Trophy and it needed a cpo on -3 to see Tom Mantel into top spot ahead of Scott Grayson with cricket legend Ian Gemmell next in with -1.

President’s Day for Stockport ladies had Glynis Hodgson first past the post after a cpo on 35 points with Laura Murison, two more than Linda Bolt.

Bramall Park’s men played two rounds for the Shakeshaft Trophy and in round one Alistair McGowan set the pace on +4 from Adam Harrison +3.

Alistair McGowan kept up his sizzling form leading round two on +5 from Ken Thomson to be a very deserving winner.

Park’s ladies played for the Chadwick Shield and it was won by Sheila Bradford with 39 points, one more than Ros Miller.

Bramhall’s men played over two rounds for the President’s Prize and Charlie Bradley set the early pace with 39 points from David Brumby 38.

In round two Gareth Woolnough led in with 37 points from Micky Gray 36.

Bramhall ladies played for the Foundation Brooch and Gill Ridley-Fink won with 36 points, one more than Pat Marriott.

A midweek Stableford at Marple had Steve Cottrell in total charge with 41 points, ten more than Colin Hulme, Sid Hodkinson and Gordon Mutch.

Lady President’s Day for Marple ladies was much closer with Pauline Davies posting 37 points, one more than Edna Wright and Emma Graham.

Round four of the Joey Jones competition for Reddish Vale seniors was led in by John Wright with 37 points, two more than club legend Derek Wilson.