Club News
Introduction to Golf: I first held a golf club when I was eight years old. My family were golf mad and I played my early golf at Fortwilliam GC in Belfast. I moved to England in 1971 to train to be a teacher and joined Hopwood Hall GC in that year.
Early sports memories: I represented Northern Ireland schoolboys playing football in the same team as Martin O'Neill and Gerry Armstrong. I also played Gaelic football for Counties Antrim and Lancashire. My time as an elite athlete was short lived and I did not train on! Many years of fun followed playing for various amateur football teams in the Manchester area. I did play in the first-round proper of the FA cup for Prestwich Heys but Wembley dreams were quashed after a 4-0 defeat!
Work: I spent many years teaching P.E at various Manchester Schools and later years teaching in a classroom. I loved my early years in teaching! Most of my teaching career was spent in Wythenshawe with many happy memories and some challenges. I count myself very lucky to have earned a living doing something I really enjoyed. Happy days!
Joining Didsbury: I joined in 1980 being introduced to the club by Denny Howells a DGC member and former colleague. My greatest achievement at DGC was to meet so many great people. Of course, it is impossible to like everybody but I have made a great many friends at this club. Generally, golfers are not interested if you are a prince or a pauper but love to talk about how to get that little ball into the hole! Neither my wife Trish or children play golf . I think they are just glad to get me out of the house in order to get on with their varied interests. I have to add that Trish loves coming to DGC and the ladies in particular have always made her feel welcome. They don't talk golf!
My two favourite pieces of golf equipment: My Satnav. Up until recently I played a lot of 'away' golf. I have a dreadful sense of direction and the satnav with the Irish accent has saved me many a wrong turn. My SKLZ golf flex swing trainer. With ageing muscles this low impact flexible weighted club allows me to warm up without hitting a ball. I am sure that James and Lisa can get you one at a decent price! Take note older members.
My most memorable round at DGC: Strange as it may sound my most memorable round was 99 gross! I just had golf lessons (not by the present staff I must add!) and was determined to follow the advice given. Unfortunately, I had the hooks on that day. I took a 14 on the 4th having hit six balls out of bounds and getting a 'two' with my seventh ball. I ended up with birdies on 17 and 18 to break 100. It's funny what you can remember!
My role at DGC: I have served on committee for many years 'retiring' as Chairman in 2019. Presently I am acting Chairman while Bill Wells (Chairman) is recuperating from an operation. In some ways it is nice to be back at the sharp end. We all know that DGC had hit hard times going back some years but it is fantastic to witness huge improvements during recent times. I do know that there are a number of committed committee members who are determined to drive DGC forward. Special mention must go to members who have been co-opted to support the club on various projects. They are generally unheralded but their work is vital in order to develop things. Membership is healthy and a great many long-standing members have stuck by the club during these tough times. Thanks to them. The challenge is to keep newer members but with a really friendly and well-run club and with a decent golf course and impressive practise facilities people would be mad to leave!
Amateur advice to DGC golfers: Use the great practise facilities at the club. Short game practise does not take much time but can save you many shots. Also, we have two great teaching professionals. Why not use them. I never understood why golfers will pay £400 for a PING driver in order to try and improve but ignore lessons that are much cheaper (I think!) and are almost sure to improve your game if practise takes place. Lecture over.
Happy golfing and thanks for everything.
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