Hole lot of work at Reddish Vale
IN 2016 the Reddish Vale Golf Club course drew rave ratings from members and visitors for its superb condition and challenges as it hosted such top events as the Manchester Captains versus Northumberland Captains.
But as always their enthusiastic green staff are always looking to improve the condition of their fabulous Mackenzie course, once highly rated by the golfing legend Henry Cotton who has the 16th hole named after him.
The main work in recent weeks has been to replace the drainage in one of the wettest parts of the course on the 14th hole.
The bunker at the front right which tends to be full of water has been excavated and a new drain has been laid.
There was an old drain at the bottom of this bunker which was completely blocked and no-one knows how long it since it was uncovered.
The work being done will resolve the drainage issues just short of the green will be resolved.
Vale’s men played an ABC + Another Stableford and the clear winners were Joshua Tunnicliffe, Andy White and Richard Howarth with 73 points, four more than Paul Temple. Robin Titterington and Robert Little.
Winnning a cpo on 67 points take third place were John Schofield, Peter Watson and the Captain from Alan Finney, Greg Mitchell and Paddy Weadick.
Marple seniors creaked into action in a singles Stableford and in division one Jonathan Bowden was top of the shop with 29 points, two more than Trevor Alderman and Ken Davies.
David Hadfield was the star of division two posting 31 points to finish ahead of Martin Bradshaw 30 and Terry Morrell, Chris Osborne and Trevor Stopford, all 28.
A singles Stableford for Hazel Grove’s men needed a cpo on 37 points to take William Sutton into top spot from Nigel Davies and hot on their heels with 36 were Paul McCumisky and Philip Withers.
Grove’s ladies played a Reverse Waltz and dancing to victory with 50 points were Karen Rodgers, Val Walters and Jean Brian from Christine Jones, Deborah Wilson and Jackie Dootson 48 and Anne Walmsley, Elaine Beswick and Catherine Buggy 46.
South Manchester golfers dominated the day as the Alliance began the second half of its busy winter season at the fine venue of Tytherington Golf Club.
Leading the way was Chorlton assistant professional Adam Hodkinson who looks in good shape as he prepares for a full season on the EuroPro Tour.
Adam posted a superb eight-under-par for 44 points to lead the individual pro section, two more than Colin Moroney, Jamie Howarth (Davenport) and Olly Smith (Ashton-on-Mersey).
Adam then found a great partner in club colleague James Doodson as they combined for a BB score of 48 points to lead in the pro am section.
It took them one point clear of Tim Maxwell (Knutsford) and Martin Firth (Mottram Hall).
Winning a cpo for third place on 45 points were Alistair Waddell (Styal) and Malcolm Wells (Northenden).
The best score of the day came in the am am section from Didsbury duo Barney Ross and Hugh Mullen with a massive haul of 49 points taking them three clear of Alliance treasurer Vinny Doyle (Leigh) and Alliance secretary Ian Hales (Ringway) who won a cpo from Norman Haslam (Stand) and Steve Grimley (Walmersley).
As sponsor Paul Dalby was ski-ing in Switzerland the prizes were presented by Didsbury professional and Alliance life member Peter Barber and former Alliance Captain Tim Maxwell with Liz Halliday representing the host club.
The winter months may be with us – but that is no excuse for not finding time to get out on the golf course.
And a new campaign aimed at promoting a shorter version of the sport highlights the perfect way to enjoy fresh air and exercise without falling foul of the British weather.
Golf Express – which showcases nine-hole golf to inspire busy people to play more often – has been rolled out by England Golf.
Clubs across Cheshire are backing Golf Express throughout the winter months.
Alderley Edge Golf Club, for example, is offering nine holes of golf every evening for just £10, while Golf Express is available each day at Styal GC for £9.
The cost at High Legh Park GC is £9 across the week, with six holes on the short Academy course available for just £2. It is ideal for juniors and beginners and features larger, 15-inch cups on each green.
Macclesfield GC is offering 10 for £10 on a Sunday afternoon, while Woodside GC has a ninehole par three course measuring nearly 1,000 yards, with a longest hole of 130 yards. Green fees are £6.50 in the week and £7.50 at the weekends. Playing nine holes on the longer course costs £11.85.
Hazel Grove GC, near Stockport, offers nine holes for £12 Prestburybased Sean Hammill, England Golf County Development Officer in east Cheshire, said: “The winter months in this country don’t offer ideal golfing weather, but Golf Express means it is just as easy to play a shorter format of the game so those taking part can still enjoy its many health and social benefits – without being exposed to the elements for too long!
Golfers have the opportunity to play on England’s Golf Coast by signing up for the Andrew Murray Corporate Club day at Hillside Golf Club on March 9.
The course forms part of England’s finest stretch of coastal links in Southport and is a regular venue as an Open Championship Final qualifier and the world’s major amateur events and is situated next to the Royal Birkdale Club which is hosting the 2017 Open Championship.
It is a BB Stableford competition and for more details contact sandra@ andrewmurraygolf.com or justine@andrewmurraygolf.com or tel 01925 751862