The Manchester and District Golf Alliance celebrated the start of its Centenary Year in style with a team competition, dining and entertainment at the fabulous venue of Marriott Worsley Park who provided an excellent and challenging course, top class hospitality and superb weather.

The MDGA is the biggest not-for-profit golf organisation of its kind with over 110 clubs within a 35-mile radius of Manchester Town Hall able to enjoy the competitions organised for them throughout the year.

There were 88 players in the team of four BB Stableford competition including plenty of local professionals also competing in an individual competition with the whole day supporting The Christie Hospital.

After the golf the players were able to relax in the excellent environment of Marriott Worsley Pak and enjoy a fine meal and entertainment from John Sutherland as well as enjoying a Heads and Tails competition as well as auctions and raffles to help raise the funds for The Christie who had their representative Jennifer Kent there throughout a very enjoyable Jennifer said: “We’re incredibly grateful to the Manchester and District Golf Alliance for its continued support and for choosing The Christie Charity as the beneficiary of its Centenary Charity Day. This event not only marks a milestone for the MDGA but also contributes significantly to the work that The Christie Charity does for cancer patients and their families. We hope everyone has a fantastic day of golfing and community spirit.”

At the centre of the day, which had taken many months of hard work to set up was Alliance President Ian Brooks backed by his hard working colleague Jim Cunliffe.
Ian said: “It was a great day and night and £2,210 was raised on the day for The Christie and hopefully hopefully more to come, it’s over a lot of hard work a big thanks to Jim as usual Ian Hales and especially the ladies Brenda and Sue grateful for the generosity from all who attended and huge thanks go to the main sponsors Jon Gallagher from Galvin Green and Mikhel Ruia Glenmuir, hole sponsors JJ Plunkett & Cowgill accountants, raffle donations from many pros plus Bob Bardsley Footjoy, Neil Self Northern Golf plus many individuals too many to mention.

In the team competition it was close with Dave Green’s Dukinfield team winning with 86, one more than Chris Bibby’s (Haydock PArk and Worsley Marriott) team and Andy Palmer’s (Chorley) and Stamford) team with John Plunkett’s (Ellesmere) team next in on 84.

The top pro’s individual’s prize was shared by Andy Palmer and Ian Ridgway (Disley) on 40 ahead of Craig Corrigan (Chilli Dip) 38 and Chris Bibby and Dave Smith (Worsley GC) both 37.

Geoff Garnett