The Manchester and District Ladies Golf Association (MDLGA)has member clubs in Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Cheshire and Derbyshire and they organise a series of competitions for club members to play in over the summer season and they have strong connections with Cheshire Golf.

The Bell Cup is the flag ship competition for MDLGA first played for in 1902 with the ladies teams from member clubs taking part in a match-play singles aiming to reach finals day.

This season the final was hosted by Shaw Hill Golf Club, which is the club of MDLGA President Sue Moult.

Bell Cup organiser Caroline Harrison-Croft reported;” Teams of ladies from 75 clubs from within the 25 mile radius from Manchester Town Hall had competed to arrive at this point in the handicap knockout competition.

The first semi final saw Lowes Park GC pitted against Bramhall GC and in the second semi final Prestbury GC came up against Westhoughton GC who were the 2025 winners.

“After heavy rain overnight the day started off dry but with a strong wind. Despite the heavy rain the course held up very well and looked immaculate.

“Both matches were played in a friendly spirit, Lowes Park received 60 shots from the Bramhall players and Westhoughton received 51 shots from Prestbury’s ladies .

“The games were hard fought, but Bramhall were victorious over Lowes Park, and Prestbury could not hold off a strong challenge by Westhoughton.

“”After the lunch break the two finalists Bramhall and Westhoughton went back out on the course for another 18 hole match. Bramhall players again giving a total of 62 shots to their opponents.

“Thankfully one small shower passed through early on leaving the rest of the afternoon dry but very windy.

“The first match which was even with no shots given saw a win for Bramhall’s Ali Hicks over Jeanette Smith. Jess Flynn (2026 Cheshire Girls champion) played Gill Dempsey who triumphed 7&6 with a great performance. Next Maria Spencer brought in a win for Bramhall over Christine Reece.

“The next match had Bramhall player Janette Smith against Lynn Fletcher going beyond the 18th. A win for Westhoughton’s Bev Nicholson 4 & 3 over Carol Coulson meant Westhoughton had the edge again with three wins. Jacqui Humphries (Bramhall) and Michelle Waring proceeded up the 19th.

The final win for Westhoughton was grasped by Sarah Bell with a 3&1 win over Pat Marriott.

“The 4 & 3 victory saw Westhoughton retain the Bell Cup for 2026.”

Their team Captain Christine Reece said: “We are delighted to have retained the Bell Cup. An unbelievable feat for such a small ladies section.

“A big thank you to the MDLGA organisers and Shaw Hill Golf Club for hosting finals day.

“Our semi-final against Prestbury and final against Bramhall were both close matches played in the great sporting spirit that befits the prestigious Bell Cup competition.”

Sue Moult presented the trophies and prizes to winners and runners-up and gave deserving thanks to all of the players, supporters, officials and host club for making this another fantastic final.

Image above: the Bramhall team

Copy: Geoff Garnett