Geoff Garnett rounds up the golfing news in and around Cheshire.
Mike’s ready for a great year at Macc
MACCLESFIELD Golf Club’s new Captain Mike Baker is well known at the club as part of the ‘Ant and Dec’ partnership together with his best mate Tony Gosling. Mike would choose Tony to play in his chosen four-ball along with Jamie Donaldson, the club’s most famous player and his late father-in-law Ron Day, a 12-handicap member at Prestbury who he never played with.
Mike, a member at Macc for 27 years and currently playing off 25 handicap (best was 18), said: “We have a great course in superb condition and if there are golfers who have never played it before I would urge them to give it a try.
“My favourite hole at Macc is the 16th Stroke Two Index which I usually play well and my playing highlight was holing a 165-yard shot during a Texas Scramble to secure an eagle on the stroke one eighth hole. “I usually play twice a week and my hobbies other than golf are the Macclesfield Male Voice Choir, classic cars and DIY and I also keep an eye on what Macclesfield Town are doing.
“My favourite course, other than Macc is Dunskey in Portpatrick and the charity I will be supporting in 2017 is the East Cheshire Hospice. ”Joining me in office are President Dave Brereton, Lady Captain Marlene Connor and junior Captain Ollie Tovee and we are all looking forward to a great year at the club in 2017.”
Kids School goes from strength to strength
THE Kids School of Golf at Moorend Driving Range, situated on the border of Stockport and Macclesfield, has continued to grow after its formation in 2015 led by Moorend professional Danny Midgelow.
Danny said: “We have full houses of up to 60 at our sessions on Saturdays with juniors who have a full range of age and ability and we can cater for them all.
“As well providing top-class coaching in an excellent environment and facility there is also a good element of competition with prizes being awarded for a variety of skills shown by the youngsters.
“Some juniors travel quite a way to take part on a Saturday which speaks volumes for the service we provide and to find out more contact me on email danny@schoolofgolf.co.uk for more information or to book a slot and also the website www.dannymidgelowgolf.co.uk.
Great celebrations at Sale
THE Sale Golf Club Men’s Presentation Evening had a full house to celebrate one of the finest years in club’s long history with numerous team and individual successes in various leagues and open competitions.
Their delighted Captain David Moore said: “For the first time in their history the men’s team retained the Mersey League with a dramatic finish in the last match and we also won the two divisions in the Derbyshire and Cheshire League.
“In addition we won the Manchester Alliance Archie Preston Trophy for Mixed Teams for the first time in our history and our ladies won the Mersey Shield as well as the Hancock Trophy in the Manchester Alliance and the WGTB Inter Club Trophy.
There were many trophies handed out on the night including the four ball match play won by Mobi Rawthore and Neil Griffiths, the 5/5 day members singles knock out won by Peter McMahon, the President’s prize won by Mobi Rawthore, the Scratch KO won by Chris Gilkinson, Foursome match play won by Stuart Pearson and Kevin Roberts, Golden Jubilee Plate Golfer of the Year Andy Daley, Golden Jubilee gross prize John Russell, Most Improved Golfer Ismail Mury, Scratch Trophy John Russell, Peace Trophy Andrew Whiston, Life Members Cup Andrew Wilson, Team Player of the Year Chris Gilkinson, Captain’s Prize Ismail Mury .
Ben on track to achieve his golfing ambitions
WILMSLOW assistant professional Ben Stanier (pictured) made the decision at a young age to become a qualified PGA professional rather than continue with a career as a full-time player.
Now at 21 years of age he is well on track to achieve his ambition as he has become a PGA professional. Ben said: “I first tried golf at the age of 13 and it took me four seasons to get my handicap from 40 to +1 playing at Peover and Wilmslow and I represented Cheshire boys for two seasons- aged 16-18.
“I won various scratch and handicap board competitions at Wilmslow and finished in the top five in both Cheshire boys and Cheshire stroke-play competitions but I have yet to win as a professional on the PGA North Region circuit.
“I have worked with Wilmslow professional Matthew Gillingham for six years- he coached me as a junior and then provided outstanding assistance and guidance through my time at Myerscough College and the PGA course and I have also had continuous support from family and friends. “I will now look to further my qualifications as a PGA professional and achieve a higher status and compete in the North Region as a player. My ultimate aim is to become the head professional at a golf club, develop my coaching further and become a well-known short game coach.”
