Light at end of the tunnel for golf clubs
ALONG with all of the members of the other golf courses in the region the scenic Mellor and Townscliffe Golf Club members can’t wait to get back into golfing action on their superb course.
The M and T members have been given a great message by their new manager Carol Butler which could apply to all golf clubs in the coming months.
Carol’s message said: “I am sure that you have been glued to the news as Boris Johnson confirmed that (assuming the data continues to track in the right way) we will be able to play our beloved sport again from March 29.
“I am very disappointed that we can’t open sooner, but at least we are in the first wave of sports returning and now there is a bright light at the end of this very long tunnel.
”This timing means that we will be straight into the playing season and depending on course conditions may be utilising our new WHS handicap index! Given that the ‘rule of six’ also kicks in at this time, I am working on the assumption that we will be able to play in four-balls but will update this when we have the detailed guidance from England Golf.
“A summary of the ‘no earlier than’ dates give us this plan to look forward to: ●●MARCH 29 Golf is back. The type of competitions over Easter will be confirmed nearer the time. ●●APRIL 12- Outside food and drinks (whilst seated, golf studio and pro shop can open ●●MAY 17 – inside the clubhouse we can meet in a group of six (still seated) or with another household. ●●JUNE 21 no restrictions on numbers or seating – (WOO HOO)
“We can’t wait to see you all so that we can get the buzz back into Mellor and enjoy our magnificent course (pictured).”
After losing a large number of its popular weekly winter competitions involving professionals and amateurs from its member clubs, due to the Covid lockdown, the Manchester Alliance is ready to burst back into action and complete its season.
Alliance President Ian Brooks said: “Following the government’s recent announcement about the resumption of sport the MDGA fixtures will resume on Wednesday April 7 with a timed start atMarriott Worsley Park and our Captain Gary Brown (Glossop professional) can’t wait to lead the action on the day..
“Following this we have fixtures each week at Stamford, Didsbury and Birchwood before the season concludes with my President’s Day at Turton on May 5.
“Players can book to play in these competitions via our website and the professional and amateur Order of Merit prizes for the reduced season will be decided and I would urge early booking as there will be demand for entry.
“The current leaders in the Order of Merit rankings are professionals 1 Jamie Howarth (Davenport 195, 2 Ian Ridgway (Disley) 179, Scott Jackson (Disley) 170, Amateur 1 Jimmy O’Reilly (Ellesmere) 43.5, 2 Alan Leigh (Prestwich) 27.5, 3 Mark Riley (Leigh) 25.5.