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Colourful new captain

Geoff Garnett
26/ 3/2008

THE reign of Paul Hesford, the new captain of Heaton Moor Golf Club, promises to be a colourful year after a memorable drive-in ceremony.

Hesford has a reputation among club members for wearing sombre golfing gear and has been dubbed ‘The Man in Black’.

So before he took up office his friends at the club decided to change his image as they bought a new set of swinging golf gear, from professional Simon Marsh, and Hesford duly agreed to wear it at the drive-in and, when possible, in competitions.

He arrived at the first tee resplendent in his new outfit, driving a motorcycle, and ready to play the inaugural captain’s shotgun competition along with president Roy Milne and past captain Dave Bradshaw and past president Dave Linsley.

Hesford, who has a handicap of 14, said: "I am looking to make this a year to enjoy at the club and hope that members can follow my lead."

Paul has been a member at the club for 11 years and has served on the club committee as house chairman.

The drive-in raised the first funds for Hesford’s chosen charity, the British Heart Foundation.

Joining Paul in office is Milne, one of few Presidents of the club who have never served previously as Captain.

Moor’s Ken Wardle and Ernie Molloy won the Winter League final after a card play-off on 46 points from N Bradshaw and A Roach.

A Pro’s competition at Houldsworth was won by K Higgins and hot on his heels with 28 were A Hurst, P Sadler and M Brammall.

Wednesday action at Houldsworth saw W Doyle in the top spot with 28 from J Connolly and G Bardsley (27).

Denton professional Mike Hollingworth showed his intent to retain his Alliance Order of Merit with a double win in the competition staged at Vale Royal Abbey.

Hollingworth was the leader as they closed the Merit table before Christmas and extended his lead, despite strained rib muscles, to power home the top individual pro score of 40 points.

Flixton assistant Andrew Bridgewood finished in second with 37.

Hollingworth along with his club amateur partner Richard Grainger Hollingworth topped the pro-am section, with 46 points, to finish ahead of Tony Cuppello and Arthur Tattershall (Brookdale).

The top score of the day came in the am-am section where Shrigley Hall’s Carl Kennedy made it a hat-trick of Alliance wins in three successive weeks, each with different partners.

He teamed up with Styal’s Tommy McCormack for a winning 47 points, which left them clear of Gareth Winstanley (Davenport) and Gavin Connor (Vale Royal Abbey) on 46.

Didsbury Golf Club have a few morning vacancies for their popular Seniors Open on Monday, July 7.

It is a betterball Stableford for Over-60s and costs £25 per pair.

For more details or to book a place contact Peter Pearson on 0161 434 0346.

Ashton-on-Mersey Golf Club are holding their inaugural Men’s Open Pairs competition on Sunday, July 13.

The cost is £25 per pair. To apply for entry contact the club on 0161 976 4390.

To get your club and individual results, achievements and special events in this report contact Geoff Garnett on 0161 881 7550 or email ggggarnett@aol.com