GOLFERS at courses across Tameside have found themselves at the centre of success and drama as winter contests come to a conclusion.
Stamford pair James Woodcock and Tony Cavanagh have been coming out on top of Manchester District Golf Alliance am-am events.
They first won at Stand GC in Manchester’s Whitefield area with a card play-off (CPO) score of 42, ahead of Mottram Hall’s Mark Richardson and Peter Draper and Chris Mulhearn and Dave Chesworth of Flixton.
They then followed it up by coming out on top at Cheshire’s Vale Royal Abbey and they both put their success down to what the Carrbrook course offers.
Tony said: “My new Custom fitted Callaway Mavrik irons from the Shop at Stamford have been pivotal in my form just recently.
“I hit these irons on the range in Portugal and decided to make the move. I had them custom fitted here at Stamford and it’s made a huge impact on my ball striking and start line, ultimately helping me hit straighter and longer golf shots.”
James added: “Our 42 points gave us the Win at Stand Golf Club and then we followed that with 45 at Vale Royal Abbey GC for back to back wins.
“It just goes to show that golf back home at Stamford where we hone our skills is a true test.”
In Stamford’s Winter League, there was late drama as Thomas Crowdy won by a single point after a dramatic final event, denying Matt Merson the glory of following father Terry, who won it last year.
They both went into the climax tied on 277 points, with Matt leading on CPO, but Thomas just held on to take top spot.
He made a three for three points on the last hole to win by a single point from Duncan Hough followed by Matt, who ended just one point further back.
Thomas said: “I focussed on this event for some weeks.
“It’s exciting, extremely competitive and kind of putting course conditions aside, the focus becomes the competition in itself.
“I’ve really enjoyed the series.”
The pairs winter league at Denton Golf Club was even closer as two could not be separated.
Leslie Bray and Graham Pollit ended level with Amir Nazir and David Sibanda on 97 points, 11 ahead of nearest rivals Doug McCallum and Neil Roberts.