Local lockdown walks are par for the course...
LIKE all golf clubs across the country, Heaton Moor Golf Club put up its ‘course closed’ sign-up at the end of March as lockdown hit.
Moor member Lyndsey Alexander said: “Frustrated golfers looked out at the beautiful fairways now bathed in sunshine, having battled through a very soggy winter and now with the weather turning, were no longer able to play.
“The decision was quickly made that local residents should be able to use this outdoor space during these difficult times. Many locals availed themselves of this opportunity to exercise in the lovely weather, making the most of this urban oasis.
“Grateful visitors contacted the club as they wished to donate by way of thanks. In response, the club set up a crowdfunding page to raise money for replanting trees, as a number had been destroyed over the years by disease and storms.
“The original target of £500 was quickly surpassed, and at the time of writing nearly £2500 has been raised. The new trees will be ordered shortly and planted in the Autumn, the best time for planting.
“The generosity of the Heatons’ community at a time of crisis was astounding and this will go a long way to help the replanting programme and protecting the environment for future generations. The golf club also set up a ‘Wildlife hunt’ and ‘Spot the Duck’ which proved popular with the kids (Jed and Matt, the green keepers, having hidden yellow plastic ducks up trees).
“Some concerns over potential damage to the course did not materialise and it reopened in fantastic condition.
“The course quickly became very popular with runners, walkers, cyclists and families, as the wide open fairways enabled easy social distancing.
“Many locals hadn’t visited the course before and didn’t realise what a beautiful space they had on their doorstep.
“The wildlife was out in force, the heron made regular appearances on the pond, the foxes were occasionally seen sunbathing, and the bird population of the club played their part in greeting the many guests.
“One of the visitors commented on the club’s Facebook page: ‘Thanks for allowing us to use your amazing space during lockdown. I’m a frontline NHS worker and it’s been really valuable to me to be able to walk around the course and enjoy some peace and reflection after spending hours in PPE’.
“The club were delighted to welcome over 50 new members as soon as the club reopened, with many citing their fantastic experience on the course during lockdown as their reason for joining.
“The golf academy is available if people wish to try your hand, if you’ve not played before or need a refresher, providing tuition and equipment to get you going.
A great sport, in a great environment, in a great community. Come on down and join in! Contact www.heatonmoorgolfclub.co.uk or phone 432 2134.”
Judith Fletcher was out on her own with 38 points from Jean McGrail 34 and Alison Jobes and Lynne Enoch, both 33.
Houldsworth’s men were in medal action for the Eddie Mannion prize and it was won by Keith Higgins with a neat 66 taking him clear of Stuart Clarkson 67 and Nicholas Binns and Mark Hirst, both 68. Houldsworth’s Wednesday section were also in medal mode and Marshall Lally led in with 67, one less than Darren Hales.
Houldsworth ladies played for Ms Craig’s Prize and Louise Lanigan was a proud winner with 39 points, one more than Jacqueline Beverley. A midweek Stableford at Marple was a close contest with Jay Hayes winning a cpo on 41 points from Mike Bennell and hot on their heels with 40 were Ian Richardson and Matthew Roach.
Marple ladies were in Stableford action and
Elizabeth Pierce led in with 39 points from Janet Healy 37 and Pat Owens and Lynda Nash, both 36. The 9-hole winner was Edna Wright with 16.
Mellor and Townscliffe ladies were also in Stableford action and top of the shop with 41 points was Alison Davies with 41 points from Alison Fletcher 39 and Anne Verity and Kim Jackson, both 38.
A Sunday Stableford for M and T’s men was led in by J Beech after winning a cpo on 41 points from Dan Davies, one more than Philip Crosthwaite.
It needed a cpo on 38 points to take Nick Challinor into top spot in a midweek Stableford at M and T from Philip Baker and Richard Senogles.
Reddish Vale’s men played a medal for the Heyrose Bowl and John Devenney junior was the top man with 67, one less than Ryan Swift, Adrian Ord and Harry Darby.
A seniors Stableford at Avro was won by Derek Jones with a fine 41-pointer from Bob Holt 38 and Peter Hale 35.
Former Hazel Grove GC assistant professional and now Sale Golf Club manager Ben Thompson has been inspired by Captain Tom Moore to go back in time and complete 100 holes in one day to raise funds for the NHS and CRY (Cardiac risk in the young) which is the Sale Captain Iain Shaw’s chosen charity.
Some ten years ago when he was a three handicap junior at Werneth Low Golf Club Ben also completed a 100-hole challenge to support the Low Captain’s charity.
Since then Ben turned professional to complete his PGA qualification as an assistant professional for five years at Hazel Grove GC. He then did some coaching at Adlington Range and personal gym training before taking on his current role at Sale and he still does some golf coaching.
Ben said: “I will be setting out early on June 19 to do the 100 holes and I would like to thank Mr Captain for his perseverance with his Captain’s year so far and look forward to the rest of his year when things pick up.
“I’m doing the challenge for the NHS as much of a thank you as I can for everything they are doing right now despite the minority ignoring government advice.
“CRY is very important to me as it is cardiac related and I’d like to dedicate as much as I can for people suffering with cardiac issues as my father passed away 18 months ago from a heart attack. CRY offer support and free screening for the young and everyone should get checked out.
“I also chose to do 100 holes again taking inspiration from CaptainTom Moore doing 100 laps of his garden. If anyone wants to support me, I have a GoFundMe page here gf.me/u/x3ddhz or ring me on 07950 344676.”