Dunham Forest Trophy Winners 2024 - Ringway Golf Club

1. Each team will consist of seven players, these being the lowest handicap players available with a Handicap Index of not more than 5.0.NOTE THE NEW MAXIMUM HANDICAP (Not the Course Handicap or Playing Handicap).
2. Players with a Handicap Index higher than 6.0 may be used however the Handicap Index limit remains at 6.0 and they must play off that handicap.
3. The team must include a PGA Professional registered to the relevant club. If a Professional is not played that game will be forfeited. Tournament professionals must not be used at any time.
4. A maximum of two juniors aged 16 years or over on 1st January 2024 with the required Handicap Index can be played. The remainder of the players must be aged over 18 years on the 1st January 2024.
5. Teams must play in Playing Handicap order with the highest pairing first and the Professional playing last.
6. Before play commences the team captains must exchange team sheets in playing order with names, handicaps and age if under 18 years old.
7. Any club failing to field a full team will forfeit the match not played. The opponent of the forfeited match must be in attendance and ready to play in order to claim the said match unless written proof is recieved in the form of a text message or email conceeding that particular match. If such proof is receievd the player need not attend
8. In accordance with the World Handicap System a players Handicap Index will be amended to establish the Playing Handicap for the day which may or may not be more than 6.
9. Stroke allowance is the full difference of the Playing Handicap.
10. If a match is between a male and female golfer use the WHS mixed tee calculator to determine handicaps and shots given.
11. The Stroke Index of the player receiving the shots should be used.
12. All games must be played to a result (no halves). A sudden death play off will take place in the event of the game being level after 18 holes.
13. Members of more than one MDGA club can only elect to play for one nominated club in all 2024 MDGA team knockouts.
14. 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.
15. 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. The home team will decide on which tee are to be used for the match i.e white or yellow.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. If a match is not completed in the specified time the MDGA Executive will adjudicate.
19. The winners must notify the MDGA secretary of the result by text or email by the closing date of each round.
20. Use of Buggies. Please refer to the MDGA Buggy Policy on the website.
21. Should any contingency arise which is not covered by the rules the decision of the MDGA Executive will be final.
    20.. LOCAL RULES ON THE DAY OF THE MATCH APPLY
    
    
    

The Manchester and District Golf Alliance is celebrating its Centenary Year in great style.

Throughout the season the MDGA runs Inter Club match-play competitions for their 110+ member clubs culminating in the finals at the end of the summer season.

The blue ribbon and oldest competition is for the Dunham Forest Trophy and features the club professional and their six top amateurs in a very competitive format.

The final has been hosted for many years by Dunham Forest Golf & Country Club and once more they provided a great course, superb hospitality and assistance, backed by excellent weather to provide a memorable experience for the players and supporters.

Alliance President Ian Brooks said: “It was an excellent day all round played in great spirit reflecting the MDGA philosophy of ‘Friendship through Golf’ and I would like to thank the efforts of both teams, their organisers and supporters in making this a very special occasion."

On the course Ringway got off to a flier with wins for Neil Hickson 2/1 over Tom Kennedy and Donny Waite two up over Adam Rigby.
They kept their momentum going with victories for David Oates 3/2 over Sean Willis and Nathan Graham 4/3 over Elliott Whalley giving them an unassailable 4-0 lead.
Greenmount picked up a point with a 5/4 win for Ollie Harrison over George Wearden then the other two games out on the course were called in between Mike Wallwork and Matt Collinge and professionals Ben Staniforth and Ben Howlett.

The Dunham Forest Trophy was presented to Ringway team organiser and Cheshire legend Ron Harrison with players from both sides receiving their prize vouchers. Thanks by both teams were expressed to the Alliance officials for their superb organisation of one of the top competitions in the region.

Geoff Garnett