Sponsored by Graham Frees of Royal Regent

With heavy overnight rain causing many courses to be closed the MDGA were delighted that Bury GC was in good condition, with just one temporary green and also missed several heavy showers in Greater Manchester during the day.

As the course dried out during the day it swung the scores in favour of the later groups to provide a tense finale in all sections.

Alliance legend Phil ‘Slimline’ Archer (Poulton Park) returned from a good finish on the Legends Tour in Spain to hit the top in the pro’s individual with 40 and the pro am with regular partner Mark Pasquill (Leigh) who helped him amass 44.

But Phil saw Josh Crumplin (Disley) overtake him in the pro individual with 41 and Jamies Howarth (Davenport) was third with 39

Josh and regular partner Chris Jackson (Tytherington) also posted 44 to share top spot with Phil and Mark in the pro am section, four more that Phil Kelly and Andy Moore (Chorley).

It was even tighter in the am am section with three pairs locked on 42 points.

The cpo went in favour of Sponsor’s guests Mike Turner and Steve Manchester (Regent Park) (pictured) from the Kirton brothers Elliot and Tom (Prestbury) and Anthony Kenny (Prestwich) and Alistair Holloway (Denton).

Phil Archer completed a good day by winning the Nearest the Pin prize.

Ian Brooks gave deserving thanks to all of the staff at Bury for their great support and warm welcome, to the players for their efforts and to Jim Cunliffe for a smooth and enjoyable day.

Geoff Garnett