Author: Richard Booth

It’s Wednesday afternoon as I start writing this and the sun is shining, it’s dry, relatively mild and days are getting longer… bring on the start of the golf season!

Masters Sweepstake

Not too long now until Rory defends his title. Please contact me to enter the Pro Shop sweepstake.

How to Rake Bunkers Correctly

We have some new bunkers out on the course but whether they are new or old, there’s a correct way to rake them. Listen to Russ guiding you through the process.

View this post on Instagram

Attention all Golfers Aged 18 – 25

We’ve had a great response from the overs 25s for the match that is taking place on Sunday 22nd March with tee times from 1pm but we’d like more players from the 18-25 age group. Please contact me to sign up for this inaugral fun nine hole fourball betterball matchplay team game.

Bradley 6 (Wed 4/3/26)

Tony Sampson won with 21 points. Roger Mattocks was second with 19 points and Antony Morris was third with the same score.

Victory Cup (Sun 1/3/26)

The match was won by the men. The score was 3.5 vs 1.5 from the 5 games. Below is the victorious men’s captain Glyn Isaac with LC Vicky Chamberlain.

Ladies Comps on Thu 26/2/26 and Thu 19/2/26

The fourball betterball competition played on Thu 26th Feb was won by Jo Bryant, Kerry Gill, Sally Budd & Caroline Smith with 43 points. Just one point behind in second place were Helen Williams, Kate Morris, Fran Adamson & Caroline Perkin.

The back nine stableford on the Thursday before was won by Sally Budd with 18 points. Vanessa Veitch was second with 17 points and Freda Hunt third with 16 points.

5 Clubs & A Putter (Sat 14/2/26)

Garrett Coulson won with 36 points in testing conditions. Tony Sampson was the runner with 32 points and Josh Smith third following countback.

Summer Pairs

Chris Adams & Bill Wrigley beat Andy Gething & Chris Ravenscroft a while ago but the presentation was only just made. Here they are receiving their vouchers from gents captain Glyn Isaac.

There are still spaces available for the men’s six club 18 hole stableford competition that is taking place this Saturday (the 14th Feb).

Attention all Golfers Aged 25 & Under

We’ve had a great response from the overs 25s for the match that is taking place on Sunday 22nd March with tee times from 1pm but we’d like more players from the 25 and under category. Please contact me to sign up for this inaugral fun nine hole fourball betterball matchplay team game.

Greensomes (Sat 7/2/26)

Well done Roger Sheen and Nigel Taylor for battling round in inclement conditions on Saturday afternoon to win with 40 points. The runners up were Andy Gething and Marcus Davies who were beaten on countback.

Pro Shop Indoor Winter League

It would be great if we could get more entries for this event. The closing date is the 28th Feb and it takes place in the warm & dry studio! You enter as a pair and can play as a pair too so please contact me to book your slot.

F9 Stableford (Thu 29/1/26)

This was open to ladies and gents with all golfers playing from the red tees. The winner was Mandy Gilbert with a fine 21 points . Mark Williams and Derek Marshall both scored 19 points but Mark finished second following the card play off.

Three Clubs & a Putter

The ladies played this format on Thu 5/2/26 over the front nine. The winner with 19 points was Gillian Healey. Freda Hunt finsihed two behind to take second place and Vicki Wells was third with 15 points.

Oh man, what a day! Here’s a round up of what’s been happening at HGC over the last couple of weeks – a little something to take your mind off this grim weather for a few minutes!!

Bogey 4 (15 holes)

Congrats to Mark Williams for winning Bogey 4 with a good score of 2 up. Jack Wilcox 2was second losing out on a card play of and Ted Shaw was third with 1 up.

Choir (Sat 17/1/26)

A picture of the choir from 10 days ago. The concert went well supported by HGC members, friends, family of the choir as well as some volunteers. A great evening was had by all and the proceeds went to Macclesfield Samaritans. Well done to LC Vicky Chamberlain for organising the event.

Over 25s vs 25 & Unders

Would you like to represent your age group in a match between members of HGC? One team will be the ages 25 and under and the other team will be the over 25s.

It will be played over nine holes with tee times from 1300 – 1500 on Sunday 22nd March 2026. The format will be fourball betterball matchplay. It will be played from the yellow or red tees depending on which is more appropriate for each particular fourball. The ideal fourball would be one junior and a young adult member (aged 18-25) vs two members over the age of 25.

This is something new and a little different. It will provide all players the opportunity to get to know different generations in a fun & friendly matchplay format.

It will be open to players with & without handicaps and also to non members (if they are the parent / grandparent of a junior member). We will make sure that players skill levels are matched appropriately with the faster players teeing off earlier. If the event is oversubscribed, club members will take priority,

There will be an opportunity to grab an informal bite to eat after play with your playing partners, which should ensure a nice buzz to the clubhouse during the afternoon. Menu options will be sent out at a later date.

Please contact me if you’d like to play.

Gents Team Polos

Please contact myself or Ted Shaw if you missed out last year and would like to get yourself a team polo as per the photo below. Here’s a link for more details including a size guide. It will have the HGC crest on the left chest and the price is £50.

Pro Shop Indoor Winter League

Back Nine Y/R Stableford (Sat 17/1/26)

Xavier Brooke won this event with 20 points (having had a golf lesson prior to teeing off… just saying!!) Chris Adams was second with 19 points. Chris Ravenscroft also recorded 19 points but was beaten on countback.

Upcoming 9 Hole Stablefords

The remaining ones for the winter season are as follows:

• Thu 29/1/26
• Sat 28/2/26 Lady Captain Charity Team Competition
• Sat 14/3/26 (this was originally incorrectly scheduled for the 7th March)

Please note that the Saturday comps have two blocks of tee times (0830-0930 and 1030-1130)

Bradley 4 (Wed 14/1/26)

Well done to Tony Adamson for winning with 19 points. Dave Swale had the same total but was beaten in second place following the card play off. Derek Marshall was third with 18 points.

Tricky Lie

Just three reminders in today’s missive of upcoming events.

(a) A Message from Vicky

You are invited to join the Lady Captain at her charity concert being held in the Clubhouse on Saturday 17th January, starting at 7:30pm. The concert entitled “Beat those January Blues” features the award-winning intergenerational choir Bravura who will help you banish the gloom of January. Admission is just £10 payable on the door which includes tea and coffee. There will also be a bottle raffle.

All proceeds from the evening will go to the Lady Captain’s chosen charity, The Macclesfield Samaritans, so please come and support this worthy cause. A sign-up sheet is on the noticeboard so that the Club can get an idea of the number of those intending to attend.

(b) Back 9 Stableford also on Sat 19th January

There is a 9 hole stableford this Saturday, open to ladies and gents, with available tee times in the mornng. Please sign up online.

(c) Pro Shop Indoor Winter League

There’s still time to play in this. The feedback from those that have entered so far has been really positive. Please contact me to book your slot, at a convenient time for you.

Pro Shop Christmas Draw Winners

Welld one to Vicky Chamberlain for winning this year’s Christmas draw. The draw was made following play of the NYE Frolic and before lunch. The other winners are below. I have credited the appropriate amounts to your Pro Shop accounts.

Thanks so much for entering and supporting the draw.

NYE Frolic

Well done to Jo Egerton Nad Ian Hunt for organising this fun comp. The winners of this best two from four front nine stablefoird multiplier were Nancy Fallows, Jo Egerton, Ann & Garrett Coulson with a whopping 55 points. Beaten into second place after a card play off were Paul & Rowene Allen, Helen Williams & Ted Williams.

Christmas 9 Hole Team Comp

Keith Thompson, Rob Manley, Roger Dawson-Smith & Mike Bulcock won this event which took place on Sat 20th December with 44 points. The runners up were Michelle Rea, Craig rea, Ann Coulson & Garrett Coulson with 43 points.

I think this will probably be my last newsletter before Christmas and it’s quite a busy one!

First things first, I just wanted to thank you for your support this year and during all my time here at HGC. In a world where there are so many places to spend your money, I really appreciate all of you who back my business – it means alot.

I hope you all have a fantastic Christmas and all the very best for 2026 – both on and off the golf course!

Nine Hole Comps

There are still some spaces in the NYE team comp, which is a nine hole shotgun start at 10am. Please sign up on Club V1 if you’d like to play.

We have some other nine hole comps coming up too, as follows:

• Sat 17/1/26 Individual stableford – open to ladies & gents
• Thu 29/1/26 Individual stableford – open to ladies & gents
• Sat 28/2/26 Lady Captain’s Charity Team Competition
• Sat 7/3/26 Individual stableford – open to ladies & gents

Ladies Christmas Team Frolic and Lunch (Thu 11/12/25)

Well done to Vicky Chamberlain, Diana Harris, Helen Davies & Pauline Keeling for winning team with 40 points. The runners up were Jane Perks, Irene Kirk, Noelle Morris & Jo Bates 40 points who were beaten on countback.

Some of the outfits were fantastic and Sally Wright won with her version of “pig in blankets”. I love the action shots below on the golf course….

Pro Shop Winter League

It’s cold, dark and wet out there so maybe think about having a go in the Pro Shop winter league for something a little different?

• Play Adare Manor, Limerick (home of the 2027 Ryder Cup)
• Pairs Betterball Stableford
• Nine holes (holes 10-18)
• Open to ladies, gents & juniors
• Entry fee £4 per pair
• Last opportunity to play – 28/2/26
• The top two scores will qualify for the final, which will be played over 9 holes (matchplay).

The Small Print

1. Players can play from whichever tees they choose
2. Putting is not required and will be set up on the Trackman to “Auto – By Hcp”
3. Pairs may play their qualifying round as a twoball
4. The simulator hire charge is not included in the entry fee (except for the final, which will have a complimentary hire fee). The sim hire charges for 2+ players are £27 for 60 mins (£13.50 each if 2 players or £6.75 each if 4 players)
5. RB will match all entry fees that will go into the prize fund for the winners & runners up
6. The final must be played by 31/3/26. The team with the highest qualifying score must liaise with RB and give the second placed team 3 dates to play. If the final is not played by the 31/3/26, then we’ll have joint winners and the prize fund will go to charity.

Seniors Texas Scramble (Wed 10/12/25)

Derek Marshall, Gary Beal & Ian Macklin were the winners of this event with 20 points. One shot adrift in second place were Graham Jones, Nigel Taylor & Lee Bramley 19.

Turkey Trot (Sat 6/12/25)

Well played Ian Goulty & John Stevenson as they went round in 38 points in the foursomes format. Tony Adamson & Paul Bramwell were runners up with 37 points.

Ade Kershaw & Rob Manley didn’t trouble the winners too much and so were awarded the wooden spoon. They received some stuffing – kindly donated again by Peter Hardern.

Seniors Best 2 from 3 Team Comp (Wed 3/12/25)

Our winners, with an excellent 39 points in very tough conditions, were Gary B, Ian H and new member Jon Simpson (welcome Jon) in his first Seniors’ comp earning £15 each. In second with 38 points were Phil L, Chris R and Lee (£10 each) and with 38 points in third were Adam, Peter W and Tony A (£5 each). Ian H had a “proper 2” at the 11th and Andrew F had a “2” on 13th and get £5 each.

Bingo Bango Bongo (Thu 27/11/25)

Clare Withey was the winner of this Bingo Bango Bongo Bonkers competition. Well played Clare! Noelle Morris was the runner up and Mary Cockbain came third. This fun format was a big success with the players

Junior European Open

Ollie Grieves recently played in the Junior European Open in Spain, which consisted of a gruelling 4 consecutive days of 18 holes. After the four days, he finished joint 13th nett (35th out of 174) which is top 20% and he was the youngest boy in the competition!

He loved the experience and can be seen below sporting his HGC bucket hat. Plus his proud granfather John Book, also member here at Hale, was his caddy durng the week. Well done Ollie, what an achievement!

Welcome to this week’s round up.

Seniors Texas Scramble on Wed 26/11/25

Well done to Tony Adamson, Glyn Isaac & Chris Ravenscroft for winning yesterday’s event with 22 points. Phil Long, John Bacon & Peter Wolfenden were a point adrift in scond place. Andrew Fishwick, Derek Marshall & David Cranmer finished third with 20 points.

Pro Shop Winter League

It’s cold, dark and wet out there so maybe think about having a go in the Pro Shop winter league for something a little different?

• Play Adare Manor, Limerick (home of the 2027 Ryder Cup)
• Pairs Betterball Stableford
• Nine holes (holes 10-18)
• Open to ladies, gents & juniors
• Entry fee £4 per pair
• Last opportunity to play – 28/2/26
• The top two scores will qualify for the final, which will be played over 9 holes (matchplay).

THE SMALL PRINT

1. Players can play from whichever tees they choose
2. Putting is not required and will be set up on the Trackman to “Auto – By Hcp”
3. Pairs may play their qualifying round as a twoball
4. The simulator hire charge is not included in the entry fee (except for the final, which will have a complimentary hire fee). The sim hire charges for 2+ players are £27 for 60 mins (£13.50 each if 2 players or £6.75 each if 4 players)
5. RB will match all entry fees that will go into the prize fund for the winners & runners up
6. The final must be played by 31/3/26. The team with the highest qualifying score must liaise with RB and give the second placed team 3 dates to play. If the final is not played by the 31/3/26, then we’ll have joint winners and the prize fund will go to charity.

Bogey 3

Well done to Ade Kershaw for winning Bogey 3 with a very good score of 5up. Jonny Gray was second with 3 up & Dave McGlennon was beaten into third following a card play off. Jonny also recorded the only two of the competition… on the 17th!!

The captain showed total dedication to his role by arriving straight from the hockey pitch!

Ladies B9 Stableford (Thu 20/11/25)

Congrats to Mary Cockbain for winning this compettion with 17 points. Vicki Wells was beaten on countback into seond place and Terri Broadbent was third with 16 points.

Photos from Poppy Appeal

Here are the photos of the men’s winner Rob Manley and the ladies runner up Rosie Gerrard from the presentation on the 13th November.

OllIe Grieves

Ollie is currently in Spain playing in the Junior European Open Champions Finals week. He qualified to be there by winning an event at Reddish Vale a few months ago and more recently he also won at Shirley GC in Solihull. This meant he finished joint leader of the Top Gun rankings. We wish him all the very best and what an achievement to even get there in the first place!

This week we have news of a trip away, the start up of the indoor winter league plus other a round up of recent results. Unfortunately but not surprisingly, Bogey 3 alt day was called off due to the rain today.

Trip to Enville GC

Would you like to join me on a trip to Enville GC next April? Please see the details below. Any questions, please get in touch.

Poppy Appeal Comps (on Sat 8/11/25 & Thu 13/11/25)

Well done to Rob Manley for winning this event with a superb 24 points. Rowena Allen was second with 22 points and Rosie Gerrard third with 20 points.

Ladies Annual Dinner

I understand that everyone had a lovely evening on Wednesday at the dinner and Vicky Chamberlain’s sister Katy did a great job as the after dinner speaker.

At the presentaion, the crystal golf ball was awarded to Holly Rowlinson for being the most improved player, reducing her handicap from 35.1 to 25.8 over the course of the season.

The Secretary’s prize was awarded to Kate Morris for being the most improved player with a handicap index greater than 36. She started the year off 50.7 and finished the year off a full 10 shots lower, off 40.7.

Min Fishwick won the Joyce Fisher Prize, which is awarded to the most improved senior.

Tiff Fielden won the gross eclectic for the year and Holly won the nett eclectic, just out do-ing her mum Irene who finished in second place.

Tiff won the birdie tree with sixteen birdies and Mandy Gilbert was second with seven.

And finally Helen Williams was the winner of the Medal Final which took place in September, with a score of nett 70.

Seniors Bradley 3 (Wed 12/11/25)

Well done to Steve Bates for adding Bradley 3 to his win of Bradley 1 a few weeks ago with the same score of 22 points. Dave Smith was the runner up with 20 points and Jon Cowan was third with 19 points.

Sparkly Ball Competition (Thu 6/11/25)

This best two from three stableford with one of the scores having to be the player with the “sparkly ball” competition was won by Sally Budd, Jane Wilkinson & Caroline Smith. Well played!

Pro Shop Indoor Winter League 2025/26

• Play Adare Manor, Limerick (home of the 2027 Ryder Cup)
• Pairs Betterball Stableford
• Nine holes (holes 10-18)
• Open to ladies & gents
• Entry fee £4 per pair
• Last opportunity to play – 28/2/26
• The top two scores will qualify for the final, which will be played over 9 holes (matchplay).

The Small Print

1. Players can play from whichever tees they choose
2. Putting is not required and will be set up on the Trackman to “Auto – By Hcp”
3. Pairs may play their qualifying round as a twoball
4. The simulator hire charge is not included in the entry fee (except for the final, which will have a complimentary hire fee). The sim hire charges for 2+ players are £27 for 60 mins (£13.50 each if 2 players or £6.75 each if 4 players)
5. RB will match all entry fees that will go into the prize fund for the winners & runners up
6. The final must be played by 31/3/26. The team with the highest qualifying score must liaise with RB and give the second placed team 3 dates to play. If the final is not played by the 31/3/26, then we’ll have joint winners and the prize fund will go to charity.

It’s a busy one this week so please enjoy the read. Thanks as always to everyone who submits photos and stories to contribute to the missive – much appreciated.

Winter Golf

As per the notifications from the club and with immediate effect, the following rules come into play here at HGC.

• Mark, Lift, Clean and Replace the ball will continue to be allowed throughout the general area.
• If a ball lies on a closely mown area players must play off an artificial mat unless they are using their putter.
• When teeing areas are set up on artificial mats, players must tee the ball on those mats.

Captains Nominate

The nominations for Club Captains for 2026/27 were announced on Thursday evening in the Clubhouse and the Lady and Gentleman Captains-Nominate are Helen Davies and Mike Thompson respectively. Both Helen and Mike have been long-standing members and have been fully involved in the life of the Club. The nomination for Junior Captain is Ollie Lynch. I’m sure all three will do a great job and wish them all the best.

Lady Captain vs Lady Secretary Match

In a match to rival the intensity of the Ryder Cup, the Lady Captian’s team beat the Lady Secretary’s team on Thursday over 9 holes, playing 4BBB.

Bradley 2

Well done Roger Mattocks for winning this event on wednesday with 21 points. Roger da Forno was second with 19 points and Jon Cowan finished third following a card play off.

New Stock

Bogey 2 (Fri 24 & Sat 25/10/25)

Well done to Peter Wolfenden for winning on Saturday with 5 up. Guy Levers was beaten on countback and Andrew Hay finsihed on ehole further back on 4 up.

Roger Mattocks, Pete Hindle & Charlie Hindle were keeping it in the family as all qualified for Bogey final on Saturday – that makes all three generations in the same competition!

The best gross of the competition went to Chris Hinton with a 74.

Ladies 18 & 9 hole Stablefords (Thu 23/10/25)

Congrats to Helen Williams for winning the 18 hole satbleford with a whopping 40 points. Gail Sampson was second with 35 points.

Judith Guest won the F9 stableford with 17 points beating Amanda Greaves on countback.

Dodson trophy

Ladies Max Medals on Thu 16/10/25

Well done to Kate Morris for winning the 18 hole Medal with an excellent nett 66. Jo Bryant was the runner up, just one shot adrift.

In the F9 max Medal Sue Wright with a superb nett 27! Rachel McDowell was second with nett 33 beating Sue Bromley on countback.

Bradley 1 (Wed 15/10/25)

Well done Steve Bates for winning this event with an excellent 22 points. Barry Jefferies was second with 20 pooints and Michael Wells came third.

Tuesday Afternoon Roll Up

Here’s a reminder about the men’s Tuesday afternoon roll up that was sent out a week or two ago.

As we approach winter, and the opportunities for golf and a little social activity decrease, there’s no need to despair! The Club still allocates tee times every Tuesday afternoon for the Gentlemen’s roll-up. The roll-up is the ideal opportunity for members (particularly new members) to play with members they’ve perhaps never met and wouldn’t normally play with.

Here’s how it works:

• Just turn up a few minutes before the start time ( 1.00 pm before the clocks go back, 12.30 thereafter) – there’s no need to book.
• Balls are put in a hat at the first tee to determine playing partners. Groups usually go out in threes or fours.
• Play is usually 4 ball betterball (with an adjustment for three balls) with handicaps based on course handicap to keep things simple.
• Play is over however many holes the group decides – generally somewhere between 9 and 18, but trending down!

After play, the bar beckons……typically tea and teacakes, maybe followed by the odd beer.

And there’s the opportunity to supplement income – every player puts £1 into the kitty, and the winning team scoops the lot. On a good day it can pay for the tea and teacake.

It’s not at all serious, it’s sociable, and good fun – so if you’ve not tried it, why not give it a go over the winter?

Colin Bamford – colincbamford@aol.com – 07767 861831

Glenmuir

New’s men’s crested clothing now in store. Plus we have some new ladies Swing Out Sister also available.

Bogey 1

A three way tie on 3 up at the top led to Lee Bramley winning on countback. Roger Sheen was second and Danny Fox third. There was some consolation for Danny as he shot his lowest ever gross scorew ith a 71. Well played all!

Junior Step-A-Side Texas Scramble

Well done to Cam S, Charlie, Spencer & Cam J for a great score and win on Saturday. 16 players took part which is a great turn out.

Cam Smurthwaite	Charlie Blake	Spencer McCann	Cam Jones	34
Sam Baxter	Fraser Gregory	Harry Kumar	Charlie McCann	35
Louis Wild	Ollie Grieves	Harry Blake	Eli Pochin	37
Ollie Lynch	Harvey Walsh	Henry Sidwell	Noah Pochin	41

Ladies 9 hole stableford

A high scoring nine hole stableford saw Rachel McDowell win with 23 points. Sue Bromley was the runner up with 22 points and Vicki Wells third with 21 points.