GRAHAM Cox decided the best way to get back into the groove after a series of disappointing results last season was to change his job.

And within less than a month of leaving Warrington to join Tony Stevens as his assistant at Davenport, the move paid off - twice.

Cox top-scored for the second successive Manchester Alliance fixture when he rattled up 36 points to claim the individual prize at Shrigley Hall.

A week earlier he and former Warrington clubmate Lewis Nunn finished top of the pile in a Greensome stableford at Bramall Park.

"I was playing in Tony’s golf day and he asked me if I’d fancy filling a vacancy he had," Cox recalled.

"I got to know him well when he had a playing attachment at Warrington where I was a junior so I jumped at the chance.

The switch had obviously done me good. I hope my new-found form will carry on next season when I’ll have another crack at Tour School.

"I could not afford to go this time because I did not have any sponsorship.

"This has been my worst run since I turned pro seven years ago but I’m working hard on my swing with Adrian Fryer, my coach at Drive-time, and going to the gym again."

Cox, a former PGA North Region assistant champion, qualified for the South African Open - his first European Tour event - earlier in the campaign but missed the cut.

"Tony played the tour for a long time so maybe some of his magic will rub off on me," he added.

Davenport’s men played the fifth winter stroke-play over 12 holes and topping Division One on 39.33 was Barry Bryning from Steve Brotherton (41.66).

Club treasurer Paul Blake got his sums right to take Division Two on 40.88 from Mike Jennings (42).

The winners’ parade was completed by Tony Woodward who won Division Three on 42 from Gary Fairclough (42.33).

The latest winter open at Mottram saw the team of J Reha, M Smith, S Eyre and C Butler well clear on 99 points.

Their nearest challengers were A Dunster, N Kerrin, S Baron and N Corrigan who won a card play-off on 93 from C Jolly, S Wooff, E Renshaw and R Hurst.

Gareth Lover had the longest drive with Peter Burgess winning the nearest the pin prize.

If golfers fancy something a little different then why not try the fancy dress team golf event at Mottram Hall in aid of Red Nose Day.

It takes place on Wednesday, March 11 with shotgun starts at 8.30 and 1.30. The cost is £60 per team and spaces are filling up fast. Fancy dress is optional, but there are prizes for the best as well as several other novelty competitions supporting the charity.

To book your slot call 01625 820064.

If your club has a new captain or lady captain just arrived or coming into office for 2009 and require some publicity, contact Geoff Garnett on 0161 881 7550 or via email at ggggarnett@aol.com .