Captain Chris reflects on great season
THE Manchester and District Golf Alliance is probably the biggest and most successful organisation of its kind in the country and provides competitive golf for professionals and amateurs for over 100 clubs within a 35-mile radious of Manchester Town Hall and will soon be looking to celebrate its centenary year.
The Captain for 2021-22 has been Chris Lee of Mellor and Townscliffe Golf Club and he gives his thoughts on the past year.
“Well another great season with the Manchester Alliance has come to an end.
“It has been fantastic experience and honour to have been the Alliance Captain for the 2021-22 season.
“We have been blessed with great weather in the first half of the season and only missed the first three venues after the Christmas break.
“Each and every venue has been superb and been excellently prepared. I have been made to feel extremely welcome by the host dignitaries at each and everyone of them.
“It has been a pleasure to get to know even more of both the amateurs and professionals within the Alliance, my personal highlight among many being able to represent the MDGA alongside Chris Bibby in the National Alliance at Oakmere.
“The Alliance year has yet again been very successful with even more people playing in the events as word gets round and the starts going to timed have allowed more to enjoy the MDGA experience.
“Special congratulations to all the winners of the Team KO’s and events throughout the season and of course to Jamie Howarth (Davenport) for winning the professionals Order of Merit.
”I cannot state enough thanks that must go to the organising committee of Ian Brooks (president), Ian Hales (secretary), Geoff Garnett (Publicist) and of course tournament director, Jim Cunliffe. Their tireless week in week out hard work and dedication makes the Alliance what it is - surely the best golf organisation of its kind through the country.
“So as the season ends, I wish all the very best to the forthcoming captain, Scott Jackson (Disley), and all the players who make the Alliance the very best of golf throughout the summer season - I look forward to re-joining the MDGA tour which resumes at Dunham Forest on 14th Sept.”
Avro’s men played a midweek Stableford and top of the shop was Bob Holt with 38, two more than Peter Wood, Michael Thornber and Peter Hale.
A 9-hole Stableford for Avro ladies was won by Carol Johnson with 15 from Pat Donohue and Sandra Maguire, both 12.
New Mills ladies enjoyed Captains Day to the Ladies and Alison Rudder was out on her own in the medal competition with 71 from Alison Wright 76 and Jackie Piper 78.
The Stableford winner was Pam Boffey with 32 from Julie Fardon 28.
The Jubilee Stableford for New Mills men was led in by Andy Rodgers with 43, well clear of Mark Brooks 39 and James Ignotus who won a cpo on 38 from three other players.
A singles Stableford for New Mills men saw division one won by Mark Hadfield with 40, four more than Michael Deaville, Kallis Hyde and Tom Longworth and in division two Andy Rodgers kept up his hot form as he won with 39, one more than Philip Urmston.
Medal action for Cheadle’s men saw Sam Parkin top division one with 63 from Dave Conway and Raymond Boland, both 64.
In division two Andy Kilmister led in with 62 from Nigel Day 64.
Cheadle ladies were also in medal mode and Louise Wildgoose flew to victory in division one with 68 from Sarah Huxley 69 and Jo Taylor and Lynne Miller, both 71.
Brenda Peak topped division two with 71 from Debbie Owens and Alison Childs, both 75.
A midweek medal at Disley saw Cheshire star James McCormick show his class with a 64+2-66 to win a cpo from Joe Thompson.
The June medal at Disley had the divisions topped by Neil O’Brien after a cpo with junior Lucas Kuiper on 71, Mark Davies after a cpo on 71 with soccer legend Geoff Gable and Noel Fitzpatrick 72.
The Junior Leadbetter Tropy at Disley had an outstanding win for George Bull with 44 from Jack Tennant 39.
The Vice captain’s Prize at Gatley was won by Graham Cordingley with 66, two less than Mark Coffey.
The Centenary Bowl for Gatley ladies was won by Tracey Gibbon 78 from Marie Gordon 80.
A medal for Heaton Moor ladies was won by Emma Gilbert with a neat 70 taking her home from Yvonne Roberts 73 and Claire Whitney, Lynda McConville and Diane Wilson, all 74.
The latest Captain’s qualifier and Veteran’s Cup for Moor’s men was won by Paul Stonehouse with 66 , two less than John Hall and Andrew Bull.
The Walter Merrin Trophy at Moor was won by Ian Hornsby with 67 from Raymond Ashleigh 68.
The third round of the Handicap Cup at Romiley was won by Doug Mills with a fine 64 taking him two shots clear of Mike Andrew and Chris Mullin.
A Bogey for the Burchall Cup at Romiley had David Smith too hot to handle with +5 from Charlie Ainsworthwho led in four players on +1.
The Pro’s prize to Romiley ladies was won by Irene Barrow with 72 from Janet Harman and Jill Woolstencroft, both 74.
The ladies Centenary Cup at Romiley was won by Heather Denton with70 from Francine Walburn 73 and Marcia Conway and Maureen Codling, both 74.
Cheshire Ladies will be hosting the North of England Team Championships at Heswall next week and winning her place in the team is Lauren Jones of Mellor and Townscliffe GC.
The team is a mixture of experience and youth and the rest of the team is Captain Lucy Jamieson (Heswall), Caroline Berry (Bromborough), Annabel Collis (Delamere Forest), Emily McBurney (Royal Liverpool), Rian Moores (Sandiway), Sara Spencer (Heswall), Isabella TaylorStokes (Styal), Victoria Turner (Delamere Forest), Imogen Williamson (Delamere Forest).