Men's Golf Highlights 2003

The 2003 season saw some superb performances, with one person in particular having a stunning year.

Early on Albert Ford took the Simister Cup, but what followed in the Hospital Trophy was even better. 71 - year - old Albert achieved the rare distinction of shooting below his age, with a tremendous gross 70. Frank Hardy was the last person to shoot a similarly low below-age score, and really nobody was surprised to see Albert, still a very capable player, achieve this distinction. Not surprising that his second round net 61 secured the Hospital Trophy. Unfortunately Albert's purple patch was cut short by a toe problem which saw him miss several comps.

Rick Ford took the Captain's Prize with a pair of very respectable 66s. 

Mike Troup began the season on a handicap of 8.4, but was soon chipping away at it with a series of excellent scores. He eventually broke through into Category 1 and ended the year on 5.0. A remarkable achievement. His short game, always sharp as knife, was red hot this summer. Mike must be the most consistent player at Alderley for many years. Just how much do you win in side-bets during a season, Mike ?

His final haul of Medal Final (gross 71), Kennaugh Trophy, Scratch Salver, Club Championship nett prize and Fourball Knockout runner-up made for a vintage season. And all topped off with a superbly crafted speech at Closing Sides......THANKS !

Not since 1986,when Brian Boughey achieved it, has anyone won the Club Championship / President's Putter double. Stephen Williamson took the Club Championship with two very steady level-four rounds of 72. Shortly afterwards, he took on Tony Osborne in the Putter final. On a windy afternoon, he beat Tony 2 & 1 in a close final. A very notable, popular and rare double from somebody who's threatened major wins for some time.

With a new course layout brought about by the revised 5th hole, a course record was up for grabs. There were two 70s posted during the year, Albert's and Gary Johnstone. 

All-in-all, a vintage year for weather, improved greens and some very low scoring. Let's hope for more of the same in 2004,

Men's Results 2003