Balfour Cup survives the storm

Balfour Cup 2023

Stand Golf Club

Sunday 16th June

In 2022 the tee-sheet had been full for over 3 months and a reserve list had been in operation, however, for some reason this year - maybe because it was Father's Day - just over 100 players had entered, compared with 141 last year.

The morning players had to contend with a slight breeze and cloudy conditions, but they were advised that storms were expected later in the day. Because Stand Golf Club covers a very large area, it had been necessary to ensure that rockets would be available if it became necessary to suspend play or close the course. Fortunately, all but the last 6 sets of players made it back to the clubhouse before the rains started and all were well inside before the storm came which closed the course.

Andy Sheard of Darwen GC (6.9) was an early starter out at 7.48 am,  and set the early pace when he returned a nett 72. Nearly an hour later Chris Nott (6.5) of Worsley Golf Club came home with another nett 72.  Andrew Roberts (7.7) of Disley GC went out at 9.09 am and then took the lead with a 71 nett.  It wasn't until after 1.30 pm that anyone managed to come home with a score in the 60's. Rather like the story of waiting for a bus ... Mike Healy (6.3) of Stand GC and Jeff Clements (10.9) also of Stand GC, both handed in cards showing 69's nett, almost at the same time!

It was looking like a card-playoff between the 69's, but then the Best Nett score of the day was returned by Rehan Ashraft (8.7) of Northenden GC, who posted a 68 nett.

Second out at 7.57 John Jones (-0.2) of Worsley GC had posted a 76 gross and this stood as the Best Gross all day until the final group returned in the rain. Having survived the thunderstorm, Gary Spann (1.0) of Prestwich GC returned with a 73 gross,  and claimed the prize for Best Gross score of the day with 8 pars and 4 birdies.

B&H President, Keith Dingley, thanked Stand Golf Club for hosting the 2023 Balfour Cup, and in particular the Green Staff for the excellent presentation of the course and the Catering Staff for the first-class service provided for players and guests throughout the day.

Click here to view the full report with photos of the winners

Return to News Page

Created by intelligentgolf version 10.1.2.