Manchester and District Golf Alliance

Welcome to the Manchester and District Golf Alliance

“Friendship Through Golf”

Andy ready for another great year in MDGA

The new MDGA Captain Andy Palmer, professional at Chorley Golf Club, has enjoyed taking part in Alliance competitions for the past decade and is relishing his new role.

Andy said:”I started my golfing life as a young Junior at Fishwick Hall and quickly became addicted to the sport when we moved into Chorley Golf Club where my mum was House Manager.

Having a course as a back garden set me up to become a great player where I represented Lancashire as well as Great Britain and Ireland Universities, travelling the world playing a sport I loved.

I studied Golf Management at UCLAN and later completed my PGA qualification whilst playing professionally on the Europro Tour. 

Having a successful 2019 year, I was invited to play a DP World Tour event as well as a Challenge Tour event which was a playing career highlight for me and I’ve won various regional and county PGA events. 

Fast forward to 2021 when I became the Head Professional of my home course, Chorley Golf Club where I’m supported by an incredible membership and look forward to what the future holds. 

It is a privilege to become the Captain of the MDGA after playing the Alliance for the past 10 years. 

I’m honoured to be recognised for my on-going commitment to this amazing golf organisation and to be a part of over 100 years of history in golf throughout the North West representing my region and home club at Chorley.

The MDGA spotlights a wide selection of fantastic courses we have in the North West and gives pros and amateurs the opportunity to play golf competitively at a new location each week.

Not only is this a great way of supporting Golf Clubs in the Manchester and District areas financially, especially throughout the winter months, but it forms new friendships of members and pros of different courses keeping the spirit of what the MDGA was established for all those years ago. 

People I would like to thank- First and foremost the late John Dowd deserves a special mention for introducing me to the Alliance via UCLAN.

He was an integral part of MDGA and brought character every week that we all miss.

Thank you to Ian and Jim for running this organisation week in week out, the dedication allows us all to continue to play these events. 

Over the years I’ve had the privilege of playing with many different playing partners in our team, including members of Chorley Golf Club, my Dad and Father in Law and my late and dearly missed friend Paul Barlow of Stamford Golf Club. Some great games played with happy memories on the course and shared over a pint or two.

There are so many reasons we should all support and encourage as many pros and amateurs to take part in the MDGA events. 

The camaraderie, keeping the spirit of golf intended all those years ago in our area on-going, and being an affordable way to play in golf competitions. This is why it always has a positive uptake in players and will do so for years to come.

I’m really looking forward to representing the MDGA in my role as Captain. I’m proud to represent our Alliance and wish everyone a great 26/27 season.”

Geoff Garnett