Geoff Garnett rounds up the golfing news in and and around Cheshire.
AVRO Fun Day brings out new ‘Tigers’
AVRO Golf Club staged a hugely successful Fund Day as part of their initiative into Getting People Into Golf.
They had around 125 visitors who registered and an estimate of well over 150 including the small children who attended.
They were able to enjoy chipping, putting, longest drive and nearest the line competition as well as free golf coaching with face painting, bouncy castle and TriGolf for Kids as well as an all day barbeque.
Michael sets new record for Heaton Moor
NORTHENDEN Golf Club were proud and excellent hosts both on and off the course for the 119th year of the Balfour Cup, a singles medal organised by the Balfour and Houldsworth Committee.
The excellent standard of the course was enjoyed by all 113 players representing 33 clubs from within a 25-mile radius of Manchester Town Hall and was reflected in the fine winning score of 75-6-69 posted by Michael Hudson-Davies of Heaton Moor GC.
He became the first player from his club to lift the prestigious trophy as he won by three shots from home player Paul Laverty who won a cpo from David Knapper (Stand) and another Northenden legend Bernie Scott. The best gross of 78 came from David Knapper of Stand GC.
Great turn out for Ladies taster Day at Bramhall
THE Get into Golf Ladies Taster Day, supported by England Golf, at Bramhall Golf Club enjoyed excellent weather and good playing conditions. There was a fine turn-out of 22 ladies during the day to try their hand at golf.
Lady Captain Kath Ince said: “The ladies were given a warm welcome in the clubhouse and met up with England Golf’s Sean Hamill and club officials before the action began.
“They were split into three groups with assistant professional Scott Parry and playing stars Alex Elliott and Matt Payne spending time with them putting and hitting balls on the short game area.
Cheshire Junior Club Team championship - Bramhall win in close finish
CHESTER Golf Club were excellent hosts as they staged the annual Cheshire Junior Club Team championships for the second successive year – and the were delighted to announce that they will host the event for the next three years.
The early leaders were the young Wilmslow team of Katie Roberts and Joshua Horan with 74 points backed by Katie’s brother Jamie with 29 points.But at the death a superb score of 42 points by James Kempster, which was the best nett score, with support from Joe Carroll saw them draw level also with 74 points and their third player Matthew Payne made the difference topping the score posted by Jamie Roberts.
The top team with the best gross score to take the Meston Trophy were the talented defending champions Styal Golf Club led by Jacob Oakley with the best individual gross of 38 points with support from Will Dodds and Will Lucas. The prizes were presented by Cheshire Deputy President Sean Ritchie (Chester Golf Club) who was joined by club colleagues President Jane Robinson and Deputy President John Clark for the presentation ceremony.
New honour for Ian
FORMER Dunham Forest PGA professional Ian Wrigley (pictured) has seen his great role as a golf professional recognised by the PGA who have awarded him the coveted status of Fellow of the Professional Golfers’ Association.
Ian’s career in professional golf began over 50 years ago as assistant to the late Dave Thomas and after working in Portugal he returned to England to be the touring pro at Dunham Forest before becoming head professional in 1983. He retired from the role in 2015 and has been using his expertise in refereeing and coaching assistant professionals in their knowledge of rules.
The award of the Fellowship id done by the PGA Board of Directors after initial recommendation by the Council consisting of members of the PGA, representatives from the R and A, the golf industry, an advisor from the university sector and two senior members of the PGA staff.
Great new addition to Ringway facilities
RINGWAY Golf Club is justifiably proud of its course and practice facilities that rival any in the area. Their top officials were delighted to officially open another excellent addition with their new Short Game area situated between the first and 17th fairways and within easy reach of the clubhouse.
A good crowd of members followed Captain Peter Fitzpatrick, Lady Captain Alison Grant, President Peter Collard and Junior Captain James Abbey as they hit the first shots to the fine new green.
The facility was completed by new Course Director Richard Stephens and he was very pleased with the end product that will enable members to improve their short game.
