Local knowledge pays off at scenic Saddleworth

Pro am winners Ian Ridgway and Neil McGuinness are pictured with sponsor Andy Earlam

GOLF ROUND-UP: Saddleworth Golf Club is one of the highest in England, and after a warm Easter weekend, the players had to endure cold, windy and wet weather on a well presented course for the latest Manchester Alliance Winter Competition.

Saddleworth assistant professional Jason Williams showed his weatherproof qualities and applied his local course knowledge to good effect, topping the individual pro section with 39 points, one more than Order of Merit leader Jamie Howarth (Davenport) with Phil Kelly in third spot with 37.

Jason and his Saddleworth partner Gary Hall posted 42 points in the pro am section, but a card play-off went in favour of Disley duo Ian Ridgway and Neil McGuinness, with Jamie Howarth and club partner Paul Robinson in second place.

It was also close in the am am section with Alliance regulars Tony Cavanagh and Chris Exton leading in with 42, one more than Richard Margrave and Paul Traynor (Stamford) and Simon Ellery and Mike Lane (Bolton Old Links).

Alliance Captain Scott Jackson (Disley) was a popular winner of the nearest the pin prize.

Alliance President Ian Brooks (Bolton Old Links) thanked all of the Saddleworth staff both on and off the course for their excellent service on a tough day for golf.

Meanwhile, a Pro’s Stableford at Saddleworth had Steven Asquith top of division one with 43, from Dean McKenna 41.

Michael Jessiman raced to victory in division two with 45, four more than Andy Thornton.

A Pro’s Anniversary Four Man team had the fab four of Paul Rowbotham, Duncan Jackson, Dean McKenna and Mark Roberts on top with 90, from Tad Knebel, Gavin Mather, Steve ‘Majestic’ Moores and Paul Traynor 89 and Graham Bearpark, Tony Head, Barrie Lees and Les Thompson 87.

A BB medal at Saddleworth was won by Mark Roberts and Alan Dorrington 60, from Neil Bamford and Antony Schofield and Mark Abbott and Andy Dunster, both 64.

A nine-hole Stableford for Crompton and Royton ladies was won by Jennifer Kenworthy 15, one more than Glynis O’Brien.

A Stableford for C and R’s men had the divisions led in by Michael Harewood after a cpo on 33, with Bradley Cummings and Ian Harrop, Andy Eastwood 37 and John Hankin 36.

The nine-hole winner was Jonathan Jones after a cpo on 15 with Rod Hunt.

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