A slightly cooler day than of late welcomed the Captains of Manchester and Shropshire and Herefordshire to Sale GC for their annual match on Friday 31 July.
Sale GC is one of several Manchester golf clubs nestled along the course of the River Mersey, just along from Northenden, Withington and Didsbury GCs. Founded in 1913, with the 1830 Lodge of Old Sale Hall as its impressive clubhouse, Sale is steeped in tradition and can boast an Open Champion and Ryder Cup player, Richard Burton, the last ‘Club Professional’ to win the Claret Jug in 1939 at St Andrews.
The course was presented in magnificent condition. The fairways beautifully prepared offering wonderful turf and lies. No excuses for any bad shots ! The greens ran very true and provided some very challenging long putts if you strayed too far away from the pins on the large greens. Bunkers, very strategically placed on both the fairways and greensides, had the finest of sand. Definitely one of the best courses we have played this year.
Following the usual bacon barm lunch, Manchester Captain Keith Walmsley and Sale Captain Bob Barlow teed off against Shropshire Captain Ken Butler and David Brammer. A very tight match ensued ending in a halved game. This proved to be a popular score on the afternoon with unusually four out of the eight games ending in halves. Of the other four games Manchester just edged the very close overall result of 5 matches to 3.
Golfers dined as they came in. Sale served up a delicious dinner of French Dressed chicken with roast vegetables and dauphinois potatoes, thoroughly enjoyed by all.
Following dinner Bob Barlow gave us a potted history of Sale GC, including the story of how a horse was the main green-keeping machinery in the early days. A long way from all the technology and sophistication we utilise nowadays.
Manchester Captain Keith graciously accepted the winning plaudits from Shropshire and Herefordshire Captain Ken but maintained our golf camaraderie was the main winner of the day.
So a great day was had by all. Sale Golf Club certainly did us proud and we look forward to returning in the future.
After another win for Captain Keith we move onto the next match at home against Worcestershire Captains at Marple GC on Monday 10 August.
Manchester and Bolton Captains met for their annual “local derby” match at Vale Royal Abbey Golf Club in the heart of the Cheshire countryside on Wednesday 22 July. The course, built in the late 1990s, sits on the site of a former Cistercian monastery dating back to the 13th Century, the backdrop to the links now being the stunningly restored grand sandstone Abbey building. Quite a clubhouse !
The sandstone based course is always hard and fast running but with our current heat wave and drought spell it was particularly firey and played very much as an inland seaside links with the yellow burnt fescue rough providing a beautiful backdrop to the fairways. as long as you weren’t in it !
The course was is great condition, the large greens running very true with many tricky rises, slopes and subtle borrows with a few devilish pin positions. The course features several blind tee-shots and its bunkers are some of the biggest we will encounter in our matches this year, very long, wide and deep.
Following our bacon bap lunch Captain Keith Walmsley and Vale Royal founding member and 2015 Past Captain Nigel Wells, teed off in the first match against Bolton Captain Steve Gallagher and Stephen Hazlitt President. Eleven other four-ball matches followed making up the 24 a side match.
As usual the matches were played in a very competitive but friendly spirit, many very close with some going down the iconic par 5 18th hole towards the onlooking Abbey building. What drama the Abbey must have seen over the years.
After a much needed shower and change the golfers ate as they came in. Dinner was followed by speeches from Nigel Wells of VRGC, Manchester Captain Keith with Bolton Captain Steve concluding proceedings and announcing the match result - a 6.5 to 5.5 win for the home Manchester team. A hard fought match indeed.
This was the first Manchester win over Bolton for several years so very pleasing for Captain Keith, keeping his good year going with six wins now and just one halved match against Derbyshire.
A blisteringly hot day welcomed the Manchester and Liverpool Golf Captains to Hazel Grove Golf Club for their annual match on Thursday 9 July. With temperatures well above 30C, full sun and no breeze it was certainly going to be a “challenging day”.
Eighty players, forty per side, made up twenty four-balls for the match, first played in 1955. Manchester Captain, Keith Walmsley, was keen to retain the trophy won last year by Manchester at Huyton and Prescott GC.
Hazel Grove, a course designed originally by the legendary Dr Alister MacKenzie, is a course which has undergone many changes and hole reroutings since the 1980s, but has still retained several of its original holes and many of Mackenzie’s features. The course was in magnificent condition, beautifully presented with fast running perfect fairways and perfect greens with many very tricky slopes and rises, which were thankfully not too slick ! The par 5 10th green was of particular note. Severely back to front sloped and with a front pin position, golfers were putting off the green from topside of the hole. Many stories were relayed about this one over dinner !
Some pairings had to be switched around last minute due to late arrivals with traffic problems, but play started on time with Captain Keith and Phil Ramskill leading off against Liverpool Captain Peter Marwick of Wigan GC and Barry Faulkner, Liverpool Secretary of Gathurst GC. They had a great tussle, the lead switching about early on but turned in Manchester’s favour after the devilish 10th green.
As usual the matches were very competitive, several going to the last hole with its signature MacKenzie green. All matches were played with great banter and spirit, despite the sweltering conditions.
When the final numbers were totted up Manchester came out the victors 13 to 7, but the golf and ongoing friendship between the two Associations was the main winner on the day.
Permission was given for jackets and ties to be dispensed with for dinner due to the heat, and the Cheshire steak pie followed by chocolate brownie was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
The post dinner speeches were lead by Hazel Grove Club Chairman, Steve Jones, who confirmed the 10th green pin position was kept just for visitors ! Manchester Captain Keith, then gave a humorous overview of the long history, cultures and rivalries between Liverpool and Manchester across many areas from football, music and of course golf. Liverpool Captain Peter wrapped up proceedings announcing the score of the customary “honourable draw” but slightly in the favour of Manchester, and presenting the match shield to Keith.
A great day was had by all, and we look forward to next year’s return match on Liverpool’s home turf.
Our home match against the South Cheshire Captains was hosted by Bramhall golf Club - which is located in Bramhall, Stockport.
Following enjoyment of bacon rolls and coffee / tea for lunch the Captain Mike Whelan of Bramhall GC extended a warm welcome to everyone and gave a brief insight into the history of the club and the new holes that have been recently developed. The teams were then introduced by the match day managers Steve McDermott and John Grint.
in warm slightly overcast weather a competitive match ensued helped by the friendship built up over many years between the two associations. The weather changed for the latter groups of golfers with heavy showers descending upon them
The course and greens were in excellent condition and presented well by the greens staff and provided an enjoyable test of golfing ability.
Following the days golf and a welcome stop at the bar for liquid refreshment all the players dined in groups of eight as they came in from shower and changing.They were served a hearty two-course evening meal consisting of French style road pork loin with creamed potatoes, green beans and pan gravy, followed by Eton mess summer pudding and clotted cream.
After the meal the captain of MDGC was introduced by Steve McDermott.
Our Captain made a speech thanking the hosting Bramhall GC Captain and the staff for making the day a great success with the hospitality and service extended. Special mention was made to the greens staff for the excellent presentation of the course and the pristine condition of the slick greens.
The Captain made reference to the exceptional golf that was played in his 4 ball group with 3 birdies and one eagle being achieved in the first nine holes from the group.The last nine holes were close and tense with our Captain securing his putt on the 18th hole to win the match.
An amusing story was told regarding the rediscovery of the lost trophy with correlation to that of the Jules Remet World Cup in 1966 and the cross Collie dog Pickles. Our duel MDGC and South Cheshire Captain member Paul Salt took in good spirit the coronation delivered upon him as he was the gentleman whom had rediscovered the trophy which was located behind the bar at Heyrose GC. Paul will be now known as Sir Senior Pickles and we trust the title will travel with him.
A toast was then made by the Manchester Captains team in honor to our friends and close colleagues from South Cheshire.
The Captain of South Cheshire Mike Sumner then stood and expressed thanks to the host club for an excellent day and give an amusing account of his time as a hospital doctor and patient experience.
Mike and John Grint then announced the result 7,5 to 2.5 in favor of Manchester and gave a toast to the Manchester Captains and jokingly accused Paul of being a traitor by playing for Manchester.
Our Captain received the trophy with dignified grace and commented that he would have to sleep with it under his pillow for the next 12 months as he was getting somewhat forgetful and was always losing items and would not relish being on the receiving end of the South Cheshire revenge if he mislaid it.
Our Captain closed the evening and looks forward to our fixture next year.
Thursday 18 June saw our first home County Match of the season with our annual “Roses Match” against Leeds Golf Captains. The match was played at Crompton and Royton GC, a first visit for Manchester Captains but no doubt a club we will return to in the future. The course was in excellent condition and certainly very interesting, especially the back nine which had some very challenging, often blind tee-shot, holes.
Home member Dave Weldon welcomed everyone and gave an excellent overview of the course layout and club facilities whilst the Captains enjoyed their bacon sandwich lunch before the afternoon golf.
Our Captain Keith Walmsley and Crompton Vice Captain, Peter Bostock, lead off the ten four-ball matches, playing against the Leeds’ Captain Chris Bursey of Leeds GC, and the Leeds’ President Simon Ambrose of Scarcroft GC.
The weather was perfect for golf, slightly overcast and warm with a good challenging breeze, with any forecast showers staying away.
And so to the match. Our Captain brought in a 5&4 win setting a good example for the Manchester team. The other matches were slightly closer, many swinging over the very challenging last 5 or 6 holes, some going to the final green, but overall a 6.5 to 3.5 home win for the Red Rose Team, retaining the trophy won at Headingley GC last year.
Dinner must have been specially selected for our Yorkshire visitors. Sumptuous roast beef and Yorkshire pudding with all the trimmings and “proper” gravy. The Crompton chefs certainly did us proud and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the meal.
Speeches followed dinner, with Keith giving a very amusing recount of Yorkshire culture, history and some Yorkshire sayings like “nowt” and “summat”. He concluded by saying that today unfortunately the Leeds’ team would be travelling home “wi nowt!”
A great day was had by all and we look forward to next year’s return on the other side of the Pennines.
Looking ahead our next 2 matches are both at home, against South Cheshire at Bramhall GC on 30 June, and Liverpool Captains at Hazel Grove GC on 9 July.
Our second County Match of the season took place on Wednesday 20 May, away to the Society of Leicestershire and Rutland Captains at Rothley Park GC.
Rothley Park is one of Leicestershire’s premier courses: a beautiful parkland layout established in 1912 and officially opened with an exhibition match between two members of the Great Triumvirate, James Braid and Harry Vardon. The course was in excellent condition and provided a stern test, particularly on the undulating greens, where being on the wrong side of the hole left some very tricky putts.
The weather was also on our side. The recent cold winds and showers gave way to warmer May temperatures and some welcome late afternoon sunshine. Let’s hope that continues.
Manchester fielded a strong side, with a pleasing mix of experienced inter-county players and some of our newer member Captains. The match consisted of eight fourball games. Some were decided early, including an excellent 6&5 win for Captain Keith Walmsley and President Daniel Stone, while others went all the way to the final, sharply dog-legged par-5 hole.
After a series of closely contested matches, Manchester retained the trophy won last year at Rochdale GC with an impressive 4½ - 3½ victory. Combined with last week’s tied match against Derbyshire Captains, it has been a positive start to the season. After dinner, speeches were kept short because one of the Leicester players was taken ill at the end of the match. We wish him a speedy recovery.
We look forward to our return match in 2027.
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.
