Gaven Tilbee began his year as the new captain of Styal Golf Club with the odd spot of nerves as the bets of many members rested on the length of his shot at the traditional drive-in from the 18th tee.

Gaven said: "The Captain’s Drive-in competition was a shotgun start and my drive measured 150 metres (165 yards). 

"This was using past captain Alan Bullock’s grandfather’s Slazenger driver.

"The ‘Guess the Length’ sweep was won by Andy Grundy who was stuck in Portugul due to the ash cloud, he gave me a pound the week before and asked for the 150 slot.

"I started playing golf with my dad socially on the odd occasion, then joined Styal when it first opened in 1994 with a 24 handicap, playing at least once a week.

"It was one of the few clubs you could get membership at, as nearly all clubs had long waiting lists.

"I then had a short spell at Gatley before rejoining Styal in 2002 playing off 16.

"I'm now playing off 11, and won the gents doubles knockout last year with Mike Entwistle and runner-up in the singles Knockout.

"I also won the first rounds of Archie Preston mixed foursomes and Alliance Foursomes this year playing on the Styal team.

"My charity is St Ann’s Hospice in Heald Green, in memory of Jack, a good friend and fellow golfer I played with for many years. He was cared for by St Ann’s and also my daughter volunteers there.

"A few hardy members at Styal and myself will be asking for sponsorship for the Manchester 100 cycle ride in September.

"The Captain’s Trophy and family fun day on July 10 is also a great day for golf and socialising with sponge the captain and beat the goalie.

"Styal is a good social club with great camaraderie and three competitions a week, including regular shotgun starts on Saturdays (bacon butties and coffee at 8am - tee off at 8.30am - presentation for all on completion of the round).

This is open to all sections of the club and playing partners are drawn at random.

"It has a nine-hole par three, driving range and pro shop and clubhouse and a great junior section."

Sunday action at Styal saw a stableford won by Jack McKenna after a card play-off on 39 points with Peter McKenna, Eugene Pieckarski and Ian Froggatt.

Styal ladies played an EWGA medal and among a number of good scores were Joan Doyle (66), Pat Chadwick (68) and four other players on 69.

A Seniors medal was won by Alan Trinick with 68 from Mike Eccles (69) and Alan Carroll (70).

EWGA medal action for Wilmslow ladies had Division One won by Maureen Nicholson (75) from Diana Beaumont (76).

It was close in Division Two with Hazel Dooley winning a cpo on 77 from Judith Kennon and Hilary Thirsk.

Singles stableford action for Alderley Edge ladies needed a cpo on 38 points to see Anne Greenhill to top spot from Sue Carless.

To get your club and individual results, achievements and special events in this report contact Geoff Garnett on 0161 881 7550 or via email at ggggarnett@aol.com