Matt’s taking on pro role at Grove
MATT Davies has enjoyed a fine career record as a golf professional and is looking forward to his big move to Hazel Grove Golf Club (England Golf’s Club of the Year in 2022) as their head professional taking over from longserving James Rowlands who has moved to be the professional at Bury GC.
Matt, who also has qualifications in green keeping, outlined his career and ambitions in his new role:
He said:“I started golf when I was 10 through my dad at Holywell GC.
“I made theWelsh junior squad at 16, and represented Wales at boys, youth and PGA level.
“I then completed my PGA qualification at Rhuddlan GC and moved to Royal Liverpool in 2010 for three years.
“I completed my NVQ level 2 and 3 in sports turf, over a three year period greenkeeping at what was my home club as an amateur -Holywell Golf Club.
“In 2013 I moved to Llangollen GC as Head Professional and have spent a very happy 10 years at the great club.
“I would like to thank my dad for getting me started and driving me absolutely everywhere until I passed my driving test.
“It is only now I really appreciate the sacrifices he made.
“But more recently, I would like to thank my wife and kids for their continued patience as the job can be quite demanding on time, and means I miss a lot of their activities, but Jocelyn, Ollie and Isobel continue to be brilliant.
“The welcome has been fantastic from all Hazel Grove members and I have received support through the shop already, which has been great.
“The shop was left in a tricky situation with James leaving in November, so we have tried to help as much as possible whilst still honouring my notice period at Llangollen, but the members have been very understanding.
“My plan is to continue to grow the game of golf, but more specifically at Hazel Grove.
“We will be looking at reaching out to the local community and getting involved with schools, groups such as scouts and cubs, as well as continuing the ‘Get Into Golf ‘scheme’.
“We want to provide a facility at the club which draws people in, but also means the member doesn’t need to go anywhere else for anything, whether that be equipment, lessons, or even the social aspect within golf.
“Assisting me in will be Josh Nadin who is currently in Year One of his PGA Qualification and Hannah Morrison - currently competing on the LET Access Tour, and in the Justin Rose Ladies Series events.”
A midweek Stableford at Marple had Simon McBride in control with 23 from Gordon Mutch, Jonathan Vaisey and Bob Allcock, all 20.
The fourth round of the Marple Winter League was much closer with A and M Walton winning a cpo on 37 from K Sumner and L Hallas ahead of S Anderson and S Jeffs 38 and J Vaisey and P Jamieson 39.
It was also close in a Marple ladies Stableford with Janet Stevenson winning a cpo on 22 from club legend Jean Oates.
Just a point back were Glenda Conway, Linda Rogers and Kay GouldMartin.
Reddish Vale’s men played Two from Four BB Stableford and top of the shop with 78 were A Fair, J Barnett, D Fisk and R Armstrong.
Next in were S Dickinson, D Breen, M Fleet and R Toye who won a cpo on 76 from S Rourke, T Lyons, I Hewitt and C Lyons.
The Manchester and District Golf Alliance is the biggest organisation of its kind in the country providing competitive golf for professionals and amateurs for over 110 clubs in Cheshire, Lancashire and Greater Manchester throughout the calendar year.
It is a big year in 2024 as the Alliance celebrates its Centenary year and MDGA President Ian Brooks and his small and dedicated team of volunteers are near to completing a very busy and attractive programme for their Centenary Year.
The programme begins with a big bang on August 30 at Marriott Worsley Park Golf and Country Club with the MDGA Centenary Charity Golf Day with a competition for teams of four players with prizes for amateurs and professionals.
The day will support The Christie Charity and will include a Gala Dinner, guest speaker and plenty of other extras and excellent prizes.
It is open to members of the 100plus Clubs affiliated to the Alliance and full details of the event and how to enter can be found on the Alliance website www.mdga.org. uk.