The CUGC has some stunning venues for its championships in 2024 and Prestbury provided a superb start as it hosted the Men’s and Seniors Match Play championships over four days of terrific competition, blessed by sunny weather after the awful winter and spring we have endured.
CUGC secretary Steve Doughty said: “The event has been a really big success and Prestbury GC have been brilliant in all departments, from the management, clubhouse staff and the course which was superb, drawing praise from all of the players who enjoyed some really slick greens.
“The referees were very good, headed by Chris Leonard and Geoff Linnell, who highlighted how professional they are.
“Also a big shout out for Stewart Neil and Bob Hamilton as always for the hours of hard work and organisation and to Kevin McCormack for starting on the first tee and receiving many good comments from the golfers and also David Durling and Andrew Henshall, acting as spotters.
“This was a superb start to the championship season and a really good team effort as mentioned by President Roy Claxton at the presentation.”
After three gruelling days in the heat with some terrific golf it was down to finals day and in the morning semi-finals going through were Sam Prince (Ringway) who beat David Edwards (Wychwood Park) and Max Ranson (Dunham Forest) who beat the reigning champion and Cheshire star Jon Beesley (Mere).
The men’s final went to the wire on the 18th green where Sam holed a nerveless three foot putt for victory and received the trophy from President Roy Claxton.
In the Seniors competition it was a final between two true Cheshire legends Gareth Bradley (Bramhall) and Dave Nelson (Northenden). In the morning semi-finals Gareth had beaten Stephen Best of the host club and David another local player Simon Bolam.
Another close final saw Gareth edge out Dave by 2&1 to complete a very memorable competition from start to finish.
Men’s results: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/10118086438005287697
Seniors results: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/10115503535035558632
Copy: Geoff Garnett
Images: CUGC & Geoff Garnett
