Manchester and District Golf Alliance

We are a non profit making organisation with all our revenue being returned to golfers as prizes. Whilst providing an income for professional golfers MDGA has expanded over the years to include amateur golfers and inter club knockout competitions. The Dunham Forest Trophy is our most prestigious event which involves the Club Professionals and the lowest handicap players from each club taking part, however the competitions also include The City Glass Mens Foursomes, The Archie Preston Mixed Knockout, Seniors Team Knockout and The BMW Junior Team Knockout..

Any member of a golf club that is affiliated to the Manchester & District Golf Alliance is eligible to play in the weekly MDGA competitions which take place each Wednesday from September to December and February to May.

The Wednesday competitions are in fact three competitions in one. There is an individual competition for the professionals as well as a Pro/Am and an Am/Am competition.

The events are held on a different course each week and are open to any member of the affiliated clubs. Check out the fixture list on the Winter Series tab to view the fixtures. Tee times can also be booked by contacting the Assistant Secretary via email at mdgajimcunliffe53@gmail.com.

Alistair enjoys the first half

The MDGA organises a sponsored Winter Series of competitions for professionals and amateurs playing different courses on Wednesdays between September and May, with a mid-season break between December and February.

It also organises very competitive Inter Club Knock Outs in the summer months for different categories of players.

The long-serving Alliance President is Ian Brooks who with his Bolton Old Links GC colleague Jim Cunliffe and France-based Ian Hales organise the competitions with excellent efficiency.

Each year there is a new Captain alternating between professional and amateur.

Last season was the MDGA Centenary Year with Pike Fold Professional Grant Hamerton as the Captain.

He handed over the Captain’s regalia to Denton Golf Club’s Alistair Holloway in August.

Alistair outlined the first half of his season in office:

“The season so far has been excellent.

Despite some poor weather, the host clubs have worked very hard to be able to prepare the courses and keep them playable. It is much appreciated by all the players. 

My highlight of the season so far was for the MDGA to visit my home club of Denton and to see the local professionals take the course apart!

I think the reason the Alliance works so well is the inclusivity. Everyone is welcome and everyone is equal. 

There is a wide variety of players, some more skilful than others! It makes for a very harmonious environment. 

The Alliance motto of ‘Friendship through Golf’ is very fitting.

One thing that surprised me when I play on the MDGA circuit is just how good our local professionals are. 

These boys sure can play!  This is as well is being all round nice guys.

All the officials and players have been great during my first half year as Captain. 

I would like to thank all the players and the Professionals who loyally support the events, whatever the weather can throw at us. 

Also a shout out to for all the sponsors who help make the events a success. 

A special mention to Jim Cunliffe as the wizard of scoring and results. Both Jim, and President, Ian Brooks, put in many hours not just on Competition Day, but also in the background in making sure every event runs smoothly.

My aim for the second half of the season is to move up the Amateur Order of Merit table with my playing partner, Anthony Kenny (Prestwich GC), and enjoy the company of my fellow golfers and the hospitality of hosting clubs.  I look forward to supporting the Alliance moving forward in 2026.”