Archie Preston Mixed Trophy 2023 - Winners Wilpshire GC

1. Each team will consist of 14 players with a Handicap Index of not more than 30.0 for Ladies and 20.0 for Gentlemen. Allowance for the Course Handicap may result in a player playing off more than this these limits. A team can play a player with a handicap index above these limits but they can only play of these maximum handicap index limits. The team should include the current Captain and Lady Captain unless they are not available in which case Past or Vice Captains should play.
2. Players of any age can play in the competition. If a team plays a player under the age of 18 years the team organiser MUST ensure that safeguarding policies applicable at the club where the match is played are complied with.
3. The stroke allowance will be the full difference between 50% the combined handicaps taken from the course handicap. This is achieved by both players in a team ascertaining their COURSE HANDICAP. The Course Handicap of the two players is then added together and divided by 50% (rounded up where necessary).A GUIDE TO HOW THE HANDICAP ALLOWANCE IS CALCULATED IS SHOWN AT THE END OF THIS PAGE.
   The other team then does the same and the full difference between the two totals is the stroke allowance for the match.
4. The away team will receive a one hole advantage in each game. Each game will be played to a finish – there are no halves. In the event of a game being all square after 18 holes there will be ‘sudden death’ to establish the winner.
5. Before play commences the team Captains must exchange team sheets with the order of play. The Captain and Lady Captain or their replacements, will be paired together and will play first.
6. Gentlemen drive first on the odd numbered tees and Ladies the even numbered tees. The Home Team will decide which tees the Gentlemen will use – White or Yellow. Ladies will use the red tees and the Stroke Index for the relevant hole will be taken from the Mens card.
7. Any team failing to field a full team will forfeit the match not played. The opponents of the forfeited match must be in attendance and ready to play in order to claim the match.
8. Members of more than one MDGA club can only elect to play for one nominated club in all 2023 MDGA team knockouts.
9. A draw will be made for each round. The first named in the draw will be the home side and as such are responsible for arranging the match within the specified schedule. Failure to do so will result in disqualification. BOTH TEAMS should make every effort to open lines of communication on receipt of the draw.
10. The HOME TEAM must offer a choice of four dates at least two of which must be either a Saturday or Sunday. The home team are under no obligation to offer any alternative dates to these four dates.
11. Extensions to the closing date will not be granted and it is recommended that matches are played as early as possible so as to allow for a re-arranged match in the event of adverse weather conditions and course closures. If a match is not completed in the specified time the MDGA Executive will adjudicate.
12. A courtesy round should be offered for each round for a maximum of eight pairs. Arrangements are to be made between the relevant team captains.
13. The winners must notify the MDGA secretary of the result by text or email by the closing date.
14. Use of Buggies. Please refer to the MDGA Buggy Policy on the website.
15. Should any contingency arise which is not covered by the rules the decision of the MDGA Executive will be final.
    
    Handicap Guide
    When establishing the playing handicap the following procedure should be adopted - all figures used are for example only
    
    Player One Handicap Index 8.6 converts to Course Handicap 10
    Player Two. Handicap Index 25.4 converts to CH of 28
    
    Combined Handicaps 38 which is then x 50%
    Team Combined CH 19
    
    Team 2
    Player Three HI 10.2 CH 12
    Player Four HI 15.3 CH 17
    Combined CH 29 divided by 50%
    Team combined CH 14.5 =15
    
    19 - 15 . A stroke allowance of 4 applies.
    
    

THE Alliance’s Archie Preston Trophy played in Mixed Foursome match-play format is one of the most popular of their Inter Club team knock out
competitions and again attracted a full entry of clubs who have been playing the KO rounds since March to battle through to the final.

This year it was hosted by the 2022 winners Walmersley GC who were great hosts providing a scenic and challenging course.

The final provided a true derby match between Blackburn and Wilpshire and was a great battle going right to the death.

It is tradition that the respective Captain and Lady Captain lead out their teams in the first match and Blackburn’s Lee Sculpher and Wendy Wyke gave their team a flying start with a 3-2 win over their counterparts Brian Hindle and Fiona Bristow.

But Wilpshire showed their determination and fighting spirit as they stormed back in style.

Wins for Elizabeth Stebbings and Tom Riley 3/2, Mandy Williams and Paddy Dunne one up, Lynne and Ken Craven 3/2 and Ann and Mick Riley 4/2 took them out of reach with the other two games being conceded by Donna Hindle and Andy Bristow (Wilpshire) to Janet Ingham and Stuart Green and Heather and Phil Deans to Rachel Studdart and Stephen Matthew to see Wilpshire home by 4-3.

Alliance President Ian Brooks presented the trophy to the winning team and gave deserving thanks to all at Walmersley, Alliance officials and the players for making this a great day of Alliance golf played in terrific sporting spirit.

Geoff Garnett