Outgoing Captain Peter Keown welcomed the new Captain Keith Walmsley by presenting him with the Badge of Office.
Keith Walmsley thanked his predecessor and expressed his enthusiasm for taking on the role and for the year ahead.
Captain’s Letter 2026
I was delighted to be appointed as Captain of our Association at our Annual General Meeting in May of last year. With the AGM in May 2026 rapidly approaching, I write this as one of my final duties, tinged with some sadness as I have thoroughly enjoyed my year in office.
Along with President Tony Gregory we have represented our Association in a variety of internal competitions and inter-county matches including, for the first time, our international fixture against the Flintshire Captains.
I have always enjoyed playing in our inter-county matches, and this year we have played at some tremendous venues. The friendship and camaraderie which everybody enjoys on such occasions are a great reminder of why we enjoy membership of our Association.
We have enjoyed an excellent golfing season weatherwise with most matches, and our internal competitions, being played in dry, sunny conditions. In terms of results the year has, based on recent years, been a resounding success. We narrowly lost three fixtures, but we were victorious in six with the remaining two resulting in a draw.
The social highlight of the year was of course our annual dinner. This was once again held at the Worsley Marriott. We were delighted with the attendance of Mr Alastair Booth, President of England Golf and also Mr Clive Brown, the past Captain of the R & A. Mr Billy Flywheel provided his unique brand of entertainment which was thoroughly enjoyed by all those attending.
The 2026 golfing season begins with our Founders’ Day on Wednesday 6th May at the excellent Warrington Golf Club followed by our AGM. I hope to see many of you there as I finish my year, and where Keith Walmsley will be installed as our new Captain alongside Daniel Stone as President. I would like to wish them both an enjoyable and successful year.
Finally, I would like to thank all the members of our Executive for their valued support and hard work during the course of the year. I hope all members will continue to support and enjoy their engagement with the Association during the forthcoming twelve months.
Being Captain of the Manchester and District Golf Captains has been an honour and a privilege as well as a great pleasure. I thank all of you for the courtesy and respect shown to me during my year in office. It has been much appreciated. May I wish you all a happy, healthy and successful golfing year ahead.
Kind regards
Peter Keown