GEOFF Allan has been a member at Ashton on Mersey Golf Club for 15 years.

But this year is very special for him as he is enjoying it as the captain of ‘a small club with a big heart’.

And he explained how proud he is of the role and the club.

Allan said: “I think that the club has the best social side in the area coupled with our involvement in the local community.

“Our course is a test for any golfer, particularly the eighth hole which is a possible birdie opportunity or a card-wrecker, which sees it chosen to stage the Manchester Alliance matchplay championships each year.

“We are always complimented on our course and especially our greens, which are often considered to be the best in the area.

“My hobbies, other than golf, are being a grandad to my granddaughter Ava, playing snooker occasionally and being a keen but not confident DIY-er having just completed a decking area in my back garden.

“My favourite courses, other than Ashton, are locally Worsley and further afield Dumfries and Galloway, where I had my golfing highlights of winning two consecutive pro’s away trip off my 22 handicap.

“The charity I am supporting along with the lady captain is Alzheimers' which is a close charity for me as I have had several relatives suffer with this awful condition.

“The players I would chose to join me in a four-ball would be Seve Ballesteros as you would get to parts of the courses that no-one else sees, my mate Gary as taking a fiver off him on a Saturday makes my day, and James Garner, my favourite Maverick whose Hollywood stories could keep us entertained if it was a slow round.”

Meanwhile, the draws for two of the Manchester Alliance’s Inter-Club knockouts have been made.

In the Archie Preston Mixed Foursomes (holders Pleasington) the draw for our local teams features Hale v Chapel en le Frith, Ringway v Turton, Withington v Tunshill and Ashton-under-Lyne v Dunham Forest.

In the Williams BMW Junior Team Challenge (holders Styal) the draw includes Davyhulme Park v Styal and Bramall Park v Ashton on Mersey.