Ian Brooks (pictured) is a true legend of golf in the Greater Manchester area and he has added another top role to his big list of achievements with his appointment as Captain of the historic Old Manchester Golf Club.

Ian outlined his pathway in golf from beginning to now:
“I started playing golf 36 years ago at the age of 44 when my wife Brenda and I joined Bolton Old Links GC.

At that time I never thought that golf would take over my life - in the latter years not so much playing but getting involved in organising competitions and functions and representing various organisations that I am involved with.

At Bolton Old Links I have been on the board of directors as social and house chairman but am no longer involved.

I ran a golf society at BOL for 15 years where I was Captain in 1999 and President in 2013.

I joined the Manchester Captains in 2002 and was treasurer until 2012 when I became Captain and President in 2018.

I have been with the Manchester and District Golf Alliance, the biggest organisation of its kind in the country, for over 20 years and I was Captain in 2008 and President in 2019 - which is a lifetime job!

I have also, been a member of Bolton Captains Society since 1999 and was Captain in 2019.

Now being Captain of the Old Manchester GC, with no disrespect to my other roles, is possibly the biggest honour that I can achieve in amateur golf and I am so proud to be in the role.

It is a relatively easy one with my main activities being the presentation of the prizes and trophies of the four competitions we play during the summer months.

One of the trophies – ‘The Bannerman’ is worth £10,000 and is solid gold and I will also have to represent the club at any functions or dinners I will be invited to.

The Old Manchester GC has its full history on its website www.oldmanchestergc.co.uk, and has a very exclusive membership capped at 40 by invitation only.

I feel very humble for all that has been bestowed on me in golf and hope to live up to it.

I would also like to thank various people in golf who have helped and advised me in my golfing journey- they know who they are - and I thank them all very much.”

Geoff Garnett