Manchester Captains beat SNGC to retain the Jack Spedding Trophy
On 5th and 6th September 2024 the Northumberland welcomed Manchester and District Golf Captains for the 45th annual match
Day one was held at City of Newcastle Golf Club in wet and windy weather making us feel at home. It worked because the score was 5 - 2 to Manchester at the end of the day. This was followed by an excellent meal provided by the City for which we must thank the catering and bar staff for their hospitality. We all enjoyed an evening of camaraderie and light-hearted banter looking forward to the next day's play.
On day two we all arrived at Westerhope Golf Club in much better weather conditions. Everyone was in good spirits and Northumberland players were optimistic about turning the score around. Everyone played valiantly with Northumberland winning 4 - 3 but at the end of the day Manchester retained the Jack Spedding Trophy with an overall win of 8 - 6. Afterwards we all enjoyed a delicious buffet lunch provided by Westerhope Golf club and again thanks go to their catering and bar staff.
The green's staff at both clubs are also to be complemented for their work in setting up the courses which were both in excellent condition.
Overall it was a very enjoyable two days of golf with good company and we look forward to next years match in Manchester.
As black clouds started to surround us our Captain Steve Misell led the start of the days match partnering Peter Keown Vice Captain.Their opponents were Andy Payne Captain of Chester and Peter Bishop from Vicars Cross. A competitive match ensued.
At approx 13.45pm the forecast heavy rain descended upon us for approx 1 hour which did not deter the spirits of the respective team players.
The course was in fine condition and proved a good test of golf with tricky greens.
A closely fought match in good spirit was enjoyed by all players.
Following shower and changing an excellent meal was served and enjoyed by all. The meal was roast pork, apple sauce, crackling, stuffing, roast potatoes and vegetables with gravy. The dessert was pear crumble and custard followed by coffee.
Formal speeches followed the meal with our Captain Steve Misell thanking the Chester Captains for organising the venue, the green staff for presenting the course in an excellent condition and the catering team for serving a great meal.
The Captain of the Chester Captains Andy Payne also echoed Steves comments and gave thanks to the host club and announced the result 5-3 to Manchester.
The new trophy in name and memory of the late Queen Elizabeth was presented to Steve.
The Manchester Captains were then invited to stand and toast the Cheshire Captains which was reciprocated.
A great day despite the inclement weather was enjoyed by all.
Our last home match of the 2024 season was hosted by the grand Vale Royal Abbey set in stunning Cheshire countryside. The Worcestershire Captains arrived early in anticipation of a close competition & were given a very warm welcome and treated to sandwiches and soup before the match commenced. Our Captain Steve Misell presented the shield which Worcestershire Captains had won in 2023 and hoped their retainment would be short lived.
Once again, the weather was kind to us and we were treated to a course in absolute fantastic condition with some spectacular views. Our Captain Steve Misell led the way with the Captain of Vale Royal Abbey Mark Haynes. A competitive match followed with most games going to the 18th
Following the golf, we were treated to a delicious meal of Pan Seared Chicken with chorizo and cannellini bean cassoulet and wilted savoy cabbage followed with pear crumble and ice cream which everyone enjoyed. After dinner Steve Misell the Manchester Captain thanked everyone at the club for a fantastic day before handing over to Worcestershire Captain Dave Colwell who thanked the green staff for presenting the course in such great condition and the catering staff for the delicious food plus the days organisers Keith and Derek. Finally, the Worcestershire Captain thanked the hosts captain Mark Haynes for their terrific hospitality before announcing the result of the match 6-2 win to Manchester This was followed by the presentation of the trophy which Worcestershire had only held in their hands since lunch time.
A fantastic day at a great venue.
Our home match was hosted by Heyrose golf Club - which is now run by an excellent team of volunteers.
The Captain of Heyrose golf club - Tom Hughes extended a warm welcome to everyone and gave us an insight into the recent changes and enthusiastic response from their membership which is a credit to them.
Following enjoyment of bacon baps and coffee / tea for lunch a competitive and closely fought match ensued.
The course was in excellent condition and presented well by the greens staff and provided an enjoyable test of golfing ability.
Following the days golf all players were served a hearty two-course evening meal consisting of home made steak pie, chips, peas and gravy, followed by apple crumble and custard.
This was enjoyed with a glass or two of red wine kindly donated by the South Cheshire captains.
After the meal the captain of Manchester Captains Steve Misell, and Tom Doyle, the captain of South Cheshire Captains were introduced and each made a short speech thanking the host club and its staff for making the day a great success and wished them all the very best going forward in the running of the club. This was echoed by their match secretary John Grint. The evening ended with the announcement of the result, a closely fought match with everything turning on the outcome of the last two four-balls. In the end Manchester Captains emerged victorious 5½ to 4½ and the trophy will follow on owing to some confusion whom held it in 2023.
This was Steve Misell's second win of the season.
A great day enjoyed by all.
Whitefield Golf club, a former home club of President Geoff Sable welcomed us for our annual Presidents Day competition. Geoff did his best to welcome everyone personally and gave his finest efforts to ensure everyone had an enjoyable day. He even had a word with the weather gods to keep the promised rain away.
The course was presented in an impeccable condition Tee box to green and challenging pin positions tested everyones putting proficiency.
After an enjoyable days golf, players sat down to a tasty 3 course dinner of soup, chicken supreme, roast potatoes and vegetables followed by apple crumble and custard. On conclusion of the meal the President invited the current captain of Whitefield Chris Kibble to say a few words. Chris welcomed everyone and gave special thanks to the greens team and bar and catering staff. He concluded with an amusing golf joke.
The competition presentation followed. As testimony to the challenging course conditions 4 teams each of 2 players scored 41 points. After repeated checking and validation of the score cards the winners on a back 9 card play off were announced as Steve McDermott and Phil Ramskill. They were presented with the Presidents trophy and first prize. In second place was Ged Gaffey and Joe Gaffey. In third place was Tony Gregory and Alan Mottershead.
Twos were recorded by Chris Kibble ( 2 x 2) Colin Dickinson and Martin Gilbert and each received balls.
To conclude the evening the President gave a speech delivered with the utmost pride and made special mention to his personal guests and all the Whitefield past captains and presidents whom had supported his special and memorable day.
The match secretary thanked Geoff for providing the prizes and for funding the half way house refreshments.
A great day was had by all.
Our annual encounter with our local rivals and friends from Bolton took place at North Manchester Golf Club.
Good weather had been ordered which the weather gods kindly delivered.
The usual friendly rivalry produced competitive games with a number closely decided. The normal post-match banter ensued over liquid refreshments on the patio , before everyone was served with a hearty meal of braised steak, new potatoes , carrots, peas and gravy, followed by sticky toffee pudding and complementary sauce.
Once everyone had finished eating, the Captain of North Manchester Golf Club Peter Majerskie, welcomed everybody to his club and hoped that all had enjoyed the afternoon. He was followed by the Captain of Bolton District Society of Golf Captains Roy Smith who thanked all the staff plus catering for their excellent hospitality plus added some amusing stories before handing over to our captain, Steve Misell whom reciprocated the humour with his story of famous people originating from Bolton. He then announced the result, a very convincing victory 7- 3 to Bolton, before presenting the trophy to the Bolton Captain.
A great day was enjoyed by all.
Hosted away this year our encounter with the Derbyshire Captains took place at Horsley Lodge Golf Club. Despite torrential overnight rainfall the course was in excellent condition , well manicured and the greens, although a little slow due to seeding and the recent rain fall.
There was some good scoring and close games on this undulating course with the water hazards proving challenging for all players.
Following the match we dined as we came in which consisted of chicken pie, chips and peas. For dessert there was an eton mess with strawberry's. After dinner the Captain of Horsley Lodge Golf Club, Mr Robin Smith, addressed everyone He hoped everyone had enjoyed the golf, facilities and and the food. He was followed by Ken Holland Captain of Captains for Derbyshire, whom gave a special welcome to the Manchester Captains and thanked all the staff at Horsley Lodge Golf Club for their efforts during the day. Last to speak was our Captain Steve Misell who reiterated the comments made by Ken about the excellent condition of the course particularly given the recent weather conditions. He concluded the day’s events by congratulating the Derbyshire Captains on their win by 4 1/2 to 2 1/2 and presented the trophy to the Derbyshire Captain of Captains. The Manchester Captains were then invited to stand and toast their hosts.
An excellent day enjoyed by all.
Bramall Park was the venue for the 67th annual fixture between the Manchester and Liverpool Golf Captains and the Golf Gods were obviously looking favourably upon us as they provided an excellent afternoon following a morning of spasmodic rain on a course that was in prime condition.
The competition was keenly contested by 40 players per side off a two tee start in four ball match play format which was followed by a two course carvery meal with a choice of sweet for desert.
Following the meal the Captain of Bramall Park, Iain MacInnes, welcomed everybody and expressed how pleased he was that this fixture was played on his course and hoped everybody had enjoyed their visit and the hospitality they have received. The Manchester Captain, Steve Misell, thanked Iain and stated that he had indeed enjoyed the day and was very please with the the tremendous condition of the course and thanked the staff for the excellent service we had received. He then handed over to the Captain of Liverpool, Mike Johnson, who gave a long speech and confirmed how please he was with the course, day and hospitality. He then announced the result as a 10 all draw where upon The Manchester Captain handed the Challenge Shield back to Liverpool as current holders for retention.
Thanks were extended to Bramall Park for the presentation of the course and hospitality received which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
The Manchester Captains hosted the Leeds Captains for their third match of the season at Houlsdsworth Golf Club. All who played found the course to be in excellent condition with some challenging holes and tricky greens providing a great day’s golf enhanced by the warm weather.
Some tasty bacon barms were enjoyed by both teams before golf got underway. Although some games were very close the Manchester team went on to an overall win 6 to 3. Our captains first winning match of this season.
On completion of all the matches and an enjoyable drink in the bar watching the second half of the England v Denmark game the teams sat down to a hearty meal of steak pie, chips and vegetables followed by a toffee cheese cake and ice cream desert. After all had finished eating our Captain, Steve Misell, thanked everyone for an enjoyable day and in particular the host club and its green staff for the presentation of the course. He then handed over to Leeds Captain of Captains, John Knott, who echoed those sentiments and presented the winning trophy to Steve Misell before asking the Leeds Captains to stand and toast the Manchester Captains. The Manchester Captain reciprocated the gesture and closed the evening.
Captains Day 2024 took place at Disley Golf Club. Given the recent spell of heavy rain it was agreed to play only 16 holes missing out holes 10 and 11 to allow those players needing buggies to participate. The weather was cloudy and cold but fortunately we encountered dry weather.
The course despite the recent persistent rain held up well and provided a good test of golfing ability. The undulating greens were challenging. We were also spoiled with the breathtaking panoramic views of the peak district.
Participants dined on completion of their rounds of golf and were served a very tasty, and nicely presented, meal of lamb accompanied by potatoes and vegetables followed by apple pie, custard and ice cream.
On completion of dining the Captain of Disley Golf Club ,Matt Hill, was introduced and welcomed everybody to the club. He was followed by Captain Steve Misell, who despite being denied the opportunity to play on the day enjoyed seeing the efforts of the remaining participants. Steve thanked the host club for hosting his captains day, the excellent work of the green staff and for the first class service of the bar and catering staff before presenting the prizes to the winners. Special thanks was also extended to all the Disley past captains and presidents whom supported the day.
Two golfers recorded twos and each received golf balls – Steve Torkington ( Disley GC ), and P Holland (Disley GC).
Local knowledge obviously prevailed.
The main prizes were won with some good scores on a challenging course. In third place, on a card play off with 34 points,Tony Gregory ( Stockport) and Jeff Stockton ( Reddish Vale). In second place, P. Holland ( Disley) and D. Rowland (Leigh) with 36 points. And in first place, and trophy winners, with an excellent 39 points were S. McDermott (Turton) and B.Newsome (Dunscar).
The second match of the season for the Manchester team was at Leigh Golf Club, to take on the Shropshire and Herefordshire Captains. The rain gods were kind to us and the weather was dry and those who played were impressed with the general course condition and especially the quality of the greens.
Captain Steve Misell, playing his first match of the season alongside Phil Ramskill led the team well. Their opponents were the Captain of Shropshire and Herefordshire Captains Fred Couch and Kelvin Jones.The overall result was a tightly fought drawn match 5 - 5. A good result against a very strong competitive team.
Post match drinks were enjoyed in the club house before we enjoyed a meal of chicken and leek pie,chips and peas followed by apple crumble and custard. On conclusion of the meal our captain Steve thanked the host president of Leigh Golf club for the excellence of the day, a sentiment applauded by all present.
The Leigh Golf Club President David Ramsdale welcomed everyone and shared an amusing story of his upbringing in the Club House. He then handed over to their captain Fred Couch who expressed their thanks for a great day, announced the result and his team toasted the Manchester Captains.
Our Captain reciprocated the gesture and closed proceedings.
Manchester Captains made their visit to Forest Hill Golf Club for the match against the Leicester and Rutland Captains. For our first match of the season we were blessed with dry weather which, together with a challenging course which was in reasonable condition, produced some fine golf. As Leicestershire now only field a team 8 pairs we did likewise.
As our new Captain Steve Misell was not playing the first match, saw our immediate past captain Bernard Stone, together with our new President Geoff Sable take on John Rawlings Past President of Leicester and Rutland. and Paul Taylor. All matches were very closely contested and supported by our Captain
On conclusion of all the matches and some very welcome liquid refreshment all players sat down to enjoy a meal of Chicken and Leek pie, followed by a dessert of apple and berry crumble. After the meal the Leicestershire President stood up and thanked everyone involved in arranging and hosting the event and thanked all the staff at the club for their efforts. The floor was then taken by our Captain Steve Misell, who had been in attendance throughout the day although he was unable to play because of injury. He reiterated many of the comments that had previously been made before announcing the close fought result of 4-4 with Leicestershire and Rutland retaining the Glass Ball Trophy..
Played each year to mark the beginnings of our Association 69 years ago, Founders Day was this year played at Worsley golf club.The weather gods were kind to us on the day of the event with sunshine and a slight breeze which everyone enjoyed.The good weather fired the enthusiasm of those taking part and some excellent scores were returned.The course was excellently presented by the Worsley greens team and played long
On completion of play, and after some much needed liquid refreshment, all players enjoyed a peppered chicken dinner in a convivial atmosphere. Following dinner, the Captain of Worsley golf club, Sir John Jones, 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. He also told a few amusing stories and took the opportunity to thank the bar and catering team for their excellent service. This was followed by a response from our Captain Bernard Stone thanking the Club for hosting the day 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 an excellent score of 40 points on a card play off were Andy Kershaw (Ellesmere) and Simon Naylor(Stand). Closely following in second place Steve McDermott (Turton) and John Howard (Dunscar) with 40 points. In third place with 38 points Ged Gaffey (Bolton Old Links) and Joe Gaffey ( Swinton Park).
There were 4 twos recorded on the day, 2 on the 8th hole Colin Berry (Birchwood) & Dave Carter (Antrobus); and 2 on the 18th hole Andy Kershaw (Ellesmere) & Alan Mottershead (Ringway). All received balls for their achievement.
The evening concluded with our AGM at which Steve Misell and Geoff Sable were appointed as Captain and President respectively for 2024/25.
We look forward to the next Captains Day Competition at Disley on 11 June 24.
The Manchester Captain's new Member's meeting was to be held on 11th April but because of the inclement weather the course was unfortunately closed due to flooding.
Never the less, the new Captains in office were invited to Knutsford GC to meet and greet the Executive who were pleased to make the acquaintance of the good number of those who were able to attend.
The MDGC Captain Bernard Stone welcomed everybody and thanked them for their attendance and said that he hoped to see as many New Captains as possible playing in events throughout the year. The Knutsford Captain Kevin Pearce also extended a welcome to everybody and expressed his disappointment at not being able to play and hoped that everybody would have the opportunity on another occasion.
