Palmer picks up top award for amateurs
THE Manchester and District Golf Alliance finished another fine season at Bramhall Golf Club, who provided an excellent course, good weather and top class clubhouse facilities for the annual President’s Day.
President John Dowd was unable to attend but sent his best wishes to all participants and guests as the main winter season honours were decided.
Phil Archer (Poulton Park) retained the professional Order of Merit on 609 points, well clear of Graham Cox (Lymm) 417 and Jamie Howarth (Davenport), a former junior at Marple GC, 398 but was unable to attend being on golfing duty in Portugal.
Andy Palmer (Chorley) won the assistant professional Order of Merit from Alistair Waddell (Chorlton) and the amateur OoM was taken by Mark Riley (Leigh) from Steve Moores (Stamford) and Mark Pasquill (Leigh).
On the day the top professional was Jamie Howarth with 67 from Graham Cox 69 and Martin Longshaw (Haigh Hall) and Grant Hamerton (Pike Fold) both 70.
The top amateur with a nett 66 was Archie Palmer (Davenport), a former junior captain at Bramhall and a leading Cheshire junior with 69-3-66 leading in from Josh Lees (Ashton-onMersey) 67 and Martin Packingham (Wigan) 69.
The President’s Cup goes to the best nett score on the day and Archie Palmer was a proud winner.
Alliance Captain Dave ‘Sunny’ Green completed his season in typical style, having lost just two fixtures due to weather etc since September and he was top guest with 69 from Jim Cunliffe (Bolton Old Links) 70 and golf legend Denis Durnian (Chorley) 73.
The season was brought to a conclusion by Alliance Vice President Ian Brooks (Bolton Old Links) who gave out the prizes and awards and thanked all who had helped to make this another successful and enjoyable season for the biggest Alliance in the country.
It was announced that the next Captain of the Alliance would be Steve Finan of Stamford Golf Club.
The draws have been made for the Manchester and District Alliance’s Inter Club Knock Out competitions and the clubs involved will be looking to make the last 32 in round two.
The Mixed Foursomes for the Archie Preston Trophy involving our local clubs is: Davenport v Stamford, Lowes Park v Alderley Edge, Hale v Tytherington, High Legh Park v Wilmslow.
The Seniors matchplay has grown year on year since its inception and the draw involving our local clubs is: Macclesfield v Worsley, Tytherington v Dunham Forest, Reddish Vale v Davenport. Styal v Helsby.