The Manchester Captains made the journey to Headingly Golf Club for the annual match against the Leeds Captains. All who played found the course to be in excellent condition with great greens providing a great day of golf enhanced by the dry weather.

By good fortune the thunderstorms predicted did not find us.

Some tasty bacon rolls were enjoyed by both teams before golf got underway. Although some games were very close the Manchester team went on to retain the hand crafted Rose bowl.

Our captain continues on his good run of no match losses.

On completion of the matches and change into club jacket and tie, collection of a drink at the bar, the teams sat down in groups of 8 as they came in to a hearty meal of home made chunky chicken pie, chips and vegetables followed by choice of two types of cheese cake dessert.

After all had finished eating the Leeds Captain of Captains Simon Ambrose, thanked everyone for an enjoyable day and in particular the host club and club captain for their hospitality and its green staff for the presentation of the course and excellent greens.

He also complemented the catering team for the quality of the food provided and their excellent service.

The Leeds captains then were asked to stand and toast the Manchester captains.

He then handed over to Peter Keown Captain of the Manchester captains who echoed those sentiments and reiterated his special thanks on behalf of the Manchester captains for a thoroughly enjoyable day. Special mention was reiterated to the greens and catering staff.

Peter led the team well and won his match which was close. Albeit he likened it at times to a biblical game in light of his group first names - Simon, Philip, Paul plus himself.
This disciple mindset must have helped.

The Leeds Captain of Captains announced the winning score 6 - 4 to Manchester and presented the winning trophy to Peter Keown.

The Manchester Captain reciprocated the toast gesture to the Leeds Captains.

The proceedings were closed and every one was wished a safe journey home.

Another great day enjoyed by all.

The first away match of the season for the Manchester team was at Oswestry Golf Club, to take on the Shropshire and Herefordshire Captains.The weather was dry and sunny with a swirling wind which proved challenging on certain holes.
Those who played were impressed with the excellent course presentation and condition and the the quality of all the greens.
Captain Peter Keown playing alongside a newly elected captain Andrew Cox led the team well. Their opponents were led by the Captain of Shropshire and Herefordshire Captains Bob Holloway.
The overall result was a tightly fought drawn match 5 - 5. A good result against a competitive team especially as we were scrambling for players to make up our team due to two player late withdrawals owing to unforeseen health reasons.
We fielded a team of 19 players against 20 with Dave Weldon having broad shoulders playing on his own against two Shropshire and Herefordshire players.Not an easy task.
Post match drinks were enjoyed in the club house before we enjoyed a meal of steak and kidney pie,chips and peas followed by apple crumble and custard.
Following the meal captain Bob Holloway from Shropshire and Herefordshire thanked our captain Peter Keown and the Manchester captains for contributing to an excellent day and thanked Oswestry GC for hosting us and complemented their staff for their excellent service.
He then handed over to our captain Peter Keown who expressed his thanks for a great day, complemented Oswestry GC on their excellent course presentation which was superb, the catering staff for the meal and service and the two match secretaries and their teams for managing arrangements for the match.
Peter announced the result and his team toasted the Shropshire and Herefordshire Captains whom retain the trophy for another year.
Captain Bob Holloway closed proceedings and wished everyone safe travels and was looking forward to the return match next year in the Manchester region.
Another enjoyable day.

The second home match of the season for the Manchester team was at Rochdale Golf Club, to take on the Leicestershire and Rutland Captains.
The weather was superb and those who played were impressed with the course presentation and overall condition. It was a good test of golf.
Captain Peter Keown playing alongside Stephen Jackson from Avro golf club ( a newly elected captain) led the team well. Their opponents were the President of Leicestershire and Rutland Captains Gerry McIntyre and Rod Goss.The overall result was a win for Manchester Captains 5-3. A good result against a competitive team.

Post match drinks were enjoyed on the outside terrace before we enjoyed a delicious meal of rack of lamb served on a bed of mashed potato along with new potatoes, carrots, green beans and peas followed by sticky toffee pudding and custard.
On conclusion of the meal our captain Peter thanked the host club and all staff for the excellence of the day, a sentiment applauded by all present.
He then handed over to their president Gerry McIntyre who also expressed their thanks for a superb day, announced the result and his team toasted the Manchester Captains.
Our Captain reciprocated the gesture and closed proceedings.
A brilliant day at Rochdale who's staff went the extra mile for us.

Hosted at home this year our encounter with the Derbyshire Captains took place at Romiley Golf Club. The course was in excellent condition, well manicured and the greens proved not easy due to the recent dry and hot weather.

There was some good scoring and close games on this undulating course which proved challenging for all players.

Following the match we sat on the outside patio for some well deserved and needed liquid refreshment. The meal consisted of chicken pot pie sat on a bed of mashed potato with vegetables and mushroom creme sauce. For dessert there was a chocolate brownie , ice cream with strawberries. After dinner our newly elected Captain of Manchester District Captains Peter Keown addressed everyone. He hoped everyone had enjoyed the day, the golf, facilities and the excellent food. He also thanked the Captain of Romiley Golf Club Steven Horne for their excellent hospitality and service extended to us. He was followed by Richard Smith Captain for Derbyshire, whom gave thanks to Peter and the Manchester Captains for an excellent day and thanked all the staff at Romiley Golf Club for their superb efforts. Special mention was also made to both the Competition Secretaries for the days management. The days events were concluded by our Captain Peter Keown announcing the result which was a close draw at 4-4 and congratulating the Derbyshire Captains on their retainment of the trophy for another year which is the norm for drawn matches. Peter presented the trophy to the Derbyshire Captain. The Manchester Captains were then invited to stand and toast the Derbyshire Captains.
A superb day enjoyed by all with great weather, a challenging golf course and an excellent evening meal.

Played each year to mark the beginnings of our Association 70 years ago, Founders Day was this year played at Chorley golf club.The weather gods were kind to us on the day of the event with sunshine which everyone enjoyed.The moor land type course fired the enthusiasm of those taking part and some excellent scores were returned.The course was well presented by the Chorley greens team and played long with the greens proving not easy.
On completion of play, and after some much needed liquid refreshment, all players enjoyed a chicken dinner with mushroom sauce in a convivial atmosphere. Following dinner, the Captain of Chorley golf club stood up to welcome all members of the Association adding that it was a pleasure and honour for the club to host such a prestigious event.This was followed by a response from our Captain Steve Misell thanking the Club for hosting the day and their hospitality and excellent service provided, before moving on to the presentation of the prizes.
The winning pair, and proud guardians of the Founders Trophy for the next 12 months,with a brilliant score of 48 points were Steve McDermott from Turton and Bill Newsome from Dunscar. Following in second place on winning a card play off with 46 points were Clive Howlett from(Macclesfield ) and Steve Jackson from (Avro ) In third place with 46 points Peter Keown from(Ellesmere) and John Bowling( Ellesmere).
There were 2 x twos recorded on the day, on the 3rd hole Bill Newsome (Dunscar) and on the 16th hole Paul Harris (Birchwood).All received balls for their achievement.
The evening concluded with our AGM at which Peter Keown and Tony Gregory were appointed as Captain and President respectively for 25/26.
We look forward to the next Captains Day Competition at Ellesmere GC on 17th June 25.

Thursday 10th April was the date the Manchester Captains invited new Captains from various clubs around the Manchester area to meet up at Knutsford Golf club.

The weather was fine which enabled two teams to have the marvellous result of 45 points over 9 holes. The team of Steve Mc Dermot, Jeremy Howorth, Steve Foster and Tony Melia lost out on a card playoff.
The winning team was Dave Sanders, Andrew Murray, Colin farrow and David Ibbotson who each won an Association Shirt.

Mark Dacre and Tom Freeman both won balls for twos.

39 Played golf and 2 Joined us for lunch.
19 new Captains Joined the Association

Our thanks, once again,goes to Knutsford Golf Club who allowed Manchester Captains to hold our flagship membership event on their course.