The 99th Cheshire Golf Men’s County Championships saw a strong field of 95 players from across the county enjoy three days of competitive golf on a superb course with incredible greens which were running at over 12 on the stimpmeter. Almost all of those present said that they have never seen the Wilmslow course in such fabulous condition. Huge credit must go to Course Manager Callum Goodhind and his team.
Immaculate clubhouse service and great support from members and staff at the club made this a championship to be remembered. This was backed by impeccable organisation of the event by the hard-working Championship Committee led by Stewart Neil, Secretary Steve Doughty, Wilmslow General Manager Ged Heaslip, his staff and the numerous Wilmslow members who gave freely of their time to act as spotters.
The weather was largely dry but strong winds on all days added significantly to the challenge of the course.
After the first two rounds the field was cut to the top 40 and ties.
Warrington’s Jake Hibbert was looking to emulate Jack Jones (1959,60, 61) in winning a third straight championship, and until the middle of the final round he remained in contention. The competition was however dominated by Astbury’s Sam Johnson who led throughout. Playing extremely steady golf he took a four-stroke lead into the final round and never looked under real pressure. He finished with an excellent score of 279 from Jon Beesley (The Mere) 286, and Jake Hibbert (Warrington GC) 289.
Sam finished on -9 gross with rounds of 70, 73, 67 and 69 and he will represent Cheshire in the County Champion of Champions finals later in the year at Woodhall Spa.
Sam picked up three trophies- TPD Taylor Trophy for leading Colt (age 22 and under) 279 from Oscar Craig (Sandiway) 296 and The Darlington Trophy (leading 36 hole qualifier) with 143 from Jon Beesley who won the Israel Sidebottom Trophy as championship runner-up and also the top over-35 player in the championship.
Winning the Team Championship were Sandiway (Jack Duncalf, Oscar Craig and Cameron Cross) 886 from Stockport (Ashley Siddle, Fraser McLeod and Luke Yardley) 898 and Wilmslow (Alfie Oakes, James Hey and Piers Johnson) 912.
The Sandiway team will represent Cheshire in the County finals later in the year.
One extra treat for players and spectators was the attendance of golfing legend Tommy Fleetwood who came along to caddy for his stepsons Mo and Oscar Craig. Oscar had a fine round of 69 to finish in a very creditable fourth place.
Cheshire Golf President John Heggarty gave deserving thanks to everyone who had made this a very special occasion for Cheshire Golf and presented the Cheshire plaque to Wilmslow Captain Andrew Henshall for hosting the event.
He then presented the trophies and prizes to the winners to complete a memorable day for players, supporters, The Wilmslow Golf Club and Cheshire Golf.
Copy: Geoff Garnett + Cheshire Golf
On-course images: Cheshire Golf
Presentation images: Geoff Garnett
