Balfour & Houldsworth ready for new season

The Balfour and Houldsworth Committee have produced their programme for their 128th season with four competitions open for entry in the coming season

The B and H was founded in 1897 by two prominent keen local golfers and politicians- Hon AJ Balfour who was Prime Minister from 1902-05 and Sir William Henry Houldsworth MP for North West Manchester to provide open competitions for local golfers within a limit of 25 miles of Manchester Town Hall.

It is still run each year by a dedicated team of volunteers from clubs in Greater Manchester led by secretary David Haley, pictured below.

There were two magnificent trophies originally on offer for, The Balfour Cup, a singles medal, and the Houldsworth Cup, men’s pairs which have both survived until today in superb condition. Pictured at the top of this page, The Balfour Cup (left) and Houldsworth Cup (right).

Two other competitions have been added over the years – The GS Lancashire Cup for mixed pairs and JD Farmer Seniors Cup BB pairs.

This year players from 50 miles from Manchester Town Hall can enter the Houldsworth Cup and unlimited distance for the GS Lancashire Cup, but the 25-mlle limit still applies for the Balfour Cup and the JD Farmer Seniors Cup.

The programme for this year is Houldsworth Cup at Crompton and Royton GC on May 10, the Balfour Cup at Stand GC on June 14, the GS Lancashire Cup at Chorlton GC on July 19 and the JD Farmer Seniors Cup at Withington GC on August 19.

Check out the Balfour and Houldsworth website for more details

Copy & image: Geoff Garnett

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