Photos & Reports 2026

Our first match of the 2026 golf season was away against the Derbyshire Captains at Chesterfield Golf Club.The course was in pristine condition from tee box to green,well presented, impeccably maintained and the greens proved challenging.
The back nine holes were Harry Colt legendary classics.

Excellent views were enjoyed across the Derbyshire countryside on the edge of the Peak District and, apart from a heavy ten minute hailstorm, the weather was better than it has been of late.

There was some good scoring and several close matches against a very strong Derbyshire team on this hilly course, which provided a stern test for players of all abilities.

Following the match our team groups dined as we came in after shower and changing into club jackets and ties.
The meal consisted of a hearty steak and ale pie with chips, peas and gravy, followed by crumble and custard.

To allow everyone to leave at a reasonable hour, the Captain of the Derbyshire Society of Captains, Bill Hibbert, addressed everyone during taking dessert. He hoped everyone had enjoyed the day, the golf, facilities and the excellent food. He also thanked the host club and the greens staff for presenting the course so well. Also, the bar and catering teams for their excellent service, the golf professional, and the lady managing the halfway house.

He was followed by Keith Walmsley Captain of the Manchester Captains, who echoed those sentiments.  Reference was made to Chesterfield's famous crooked spires, with a joke that some of his team players might return home slightly bent out of shape after tackling the slopes of the course. Keith then quoted the famous late Nelson Mandela quote "You never lose. You either win or you learn." On this occasion, the Manchester Captains learned and Keith was on the receiving end of  some friendly banter which he took in good spirits.

He assured the Derbyshire Captains that next year the Manchester match team would choose a course that would challenge their balance and it had been noted of their team sheet not being provided before the day.

The day concluded with our Captain announcing a closely contested 4½ -  4½ draw and congratulating the Derbyshire Captains on retaining the trophy, as is customary when a match is drawn. Keith then presented the trophy to the Derbyshire Captain, thanked them again for an excellent day, and wished everyone a safe journey home.

It was a superb day on an excellent course, enjoyed by all and marked by fine hospitality and camaraderie.

Played each year to mark the beginnings of our Association 71 years ago, Founders Day was this year played at Warrington golf club.The weather was kind to us on the day of the event with scattered sunshine which everyone enjoyed.The undulating sand based course positioned at the highest point in Warrington afforded fine views of the local area, the Pennines and Welsh hills. This fired the enthusiasm of those taking part and some excellent scores were returned.The course was well presented by the Warrington greens team and played firm with the greens rolling well.
On completion of play, and after some much needed liquid refreshment, all players enjoyed a Steak and Vegetable pie dinner with chips, peas and gravy in a convivial atmosphere. Following dinner, the Captain of Warrington Golf Club Peter Smith 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 and gave us a short insight into the club.This was followed by a response from our Captain Peter Keown  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 46 points were Alan Baxter from Mere and Peter A Harrison Johnson from Chorlton Cum Hardy. Following in second place with 45 points were Jeff Blackburn and Steve Bridgeman from Ellesmere. In third place with 44 points on a card play off were Ian Michael and Brian Daniels from Ellesmere.
There were 6 x twos recorded on the day, on the 6th hole Jeff Stockton (Reddish Vale),on the 9th hole Bernard Stone (Manchester), Lee Ballard (Stand), Andy.Halliwell  (Ellesmere), on the 13th hole Tony Gregory (Stockport) and on the 16th hole Steve Bridgeman (Ellesmere) All received a sleeve of balls for their achievement.
The evening concluded with our AGM at which Keith Walmsley and Daniel Stone were appointed as Captain and President respectively for 26/27.
We look forward to the next event - Captains Day Competition at Ringway GC on 11th June 26.

Thursday 9th April was the date Manchester Captains invited new Captains from clubs around Manchester to meet at Knutsford Golf club and play the annual "New Captains in Office meeting".  The weather was cloudy with a brief period of light rain where 19 new Club Captains and 16 MDGC Executive Members' played a Stableford competition over 9 holes.

The Captain of Knutsford, John Horsley, gave an informative speech followed by the MDGC Captain, Peter Keown. The event MC was Ian Michael.

The winning team (45 points) was Tony Gregory (MDGC), Phil Welsh (Mellor), Mike Whelan (Bramhall) and Andy Roberts (Disley) who each won an Association jumper.

Second place (44 points) was David Murray (MDGC), Steve McDermot (MDGC), Peter Kenyon (Walmsley) and Reece Hobson (Denton) who won a box of balls.

There was only one ball for two, won by Tony Barnes.

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