Dominic Barnes of Caldy Golf Club and Royal Liverpool Golf Club has been a long-serving member of the Cheshire Men’s team, and he is delighted to have been elected as the Team Captain in 2026 succeeding Peter Barber.
Dom rose through the ranks of the Cheshire Union of Golf Clubs boys’ programme, representing the county at under-18 level before making 91 first-team appearances between 2010 and 2025.
He played a key role in Cheshire’s last Northern Counties League victory in 2011, winning four of his five singles matches that season — including a notable victory over Matthew Fitzpatrick at Selby Golf Club.
The 34-year-old, believed to be the youngest ever Cheshire Captain, said: “It is a true honour to be considered for the role of Cheshire Captain. To be given this opportunity is something I hold in the highest regard. My wife and I have two amazing young children, and I feel privileged to step into this position as my days of playing competitively have naturally slowed in recent years.
“I also want to thank my mum and dad — for all the early mornings, long drives up and down the country, and their unwavering support through countless tournaments. I’m sure there are some days they’d rather forget!”
Dom added: “My passion for representing the county and bringing success to Cheshire Golf is as strong as ever. I’m really looking forward to getting started and working with the team to achieve our goals.”
Optimism is high within Cheshire Golf following last year’s merger of the Cheshire Union of Golf Clubs and the Cheshire County Ladies Golf Association.
“The boys’ team enjoyed successes at the Northern Counties Qualifying in July and at the England Golf Boys’ County Championship.
“On the women’s side, Lucy Jamieson of Heswall Golf Club captured the English Women’s Amateur Championship at Royal Liverpool Golf Club earlier this year and was recently crowned England Golf’s Women’s Order of Merit Champion 2025.”
Reflecting on these achievements and the countless hours of dedication from volunteers across the County, Dominic said: “We can all take inspiration from the success enjoyed within Cheshire Golf over the last twelve months. Some of the players from the successful boys’ team are already embedded in the first team, and I see this year as the perfect opportunity for others to work their way into selection.”
Dominic will work closely with Josh Sims, the new Chairman of Selectors, who succeeded Chris Peterson at the end of the 2024 season. On their long-standing friendship, Dominic said:
“Josh and I go back years, from getting our first handicaps as juniors to sharing the highs and lows of our golfing careers. To now work together in this capacity is a unique and exciting opportunity.”
As Cheshire Golf’s new leadership team takes shape, the county reaffirmed its commitment:
“We are dedicated to furthering the development of golf within Cheshire and to maintaining the environment and infrastructure that allow players to thrive and achieve their golfing aspirations.”
Looking back at his predecessors, Barnes added:
“I’ve known Chris Peterson and Pete Barber for as long as I can remember, and I have so much to thank them both for. They have shaped me as both a golfer and a person, and their knowledge of the game is exceptional.
“Taking over from Pete feels surreal. He gave me my first coaching session as a 12-year-old at Sandfield Driving Range as part of Cheshire Boys coaching, and now, more than twenty years later, I have the privilege of following in his footsteps as County Captain.
“Pete is a true legend of the game — I feel the responsibility, but I’m also completely inspired by the opportunity.”
Cheshire Golf has launched its winter coaching programme in preparation for the 2026 season, with pre-season friendly matches scheduled against Sandiway Golf Club, North Wales Counties, and Derbyshire, leading into the Northern Counties League and the Northern Counties Men’s Qualifying Championship. With a proud tradition of excellence and fresh energy at the helm, Cheshire Golf looks forward to an exciting season ahead
