DAVYHULME Park Golf Club’s long-serving professional Dean Butler is looking for a new challenge after moving to join the team of PGA professionals at the Trafford Driving Range.

Butler said: “I came into golf at the age of 14 at Gatley Golf Club beginning with a 28 handicap.

“I got down to four within 18 months and won various prizes in the Manchester and District Junior Golf Alliance.

“At the age of 15 I helped out with John Trafford at Northenden Golf Club and then moved to Withington as assistant pro to Bob Ling in 1980 and passed my PGA exams in 1985.

“My next move was to Dunham Forest as assistant to Ian Wrigley before moving to Fairfield for six years before switching to Davyhulme Park where I served for just under 24 years.

“The best part at DHP was the members who were great to work for with everyone being so friendly towards each other that it was like being part of a big family.

"For over 20 years I represented DHP in the North Cheshire League and also in the Alliance Dunham Forest team which I loved immensely.

“My reason for leaving was that I wanted to get back to what I enjoyed most about being a PGA professional which was coaching others to play the game and better themselves and after giving my all for 24 years I also wanted some time for my wife and myself – which this new position gives me.

“My teaching method has always been to make the information I give to the pupil as simple as possible to understand and where possible get them to try and work with what they have without them fearing that it will be a case of everything has to change.

“I am thrilled to now be part of a great team of professionals who all bring something to the table with their knowledge and experience.”

The Manchester and District Golf Captain’s President’s Day saw a good field of more than 70 players enjoy a Bramhall course in great condition with fine food and excellent hosting.

President Alan Preston hosted the day, seeing the players off the first tee, and he was grateful to Tony Gregory and his team for organising another fantastic day.

Bramhall captain Mel Ince welcomed all and confirmed the club were proud to support Preston in his year of office.

In reply, Preston thanked the club and the association for their support and courtesy to him over the many years he had been associated with them and that he was proud to represent Cheadle GC as president of the association.

The winning team to take the President’s Trophy were Bill McWalter (Bramhall GC) and MDGC vice captain Geoff Sable (Whitefield) with 45 points, one more than Ian Hales and John Davies (Chorlton) who won a card play-off from Paul Harris and Colin Berry (Birchwood) and Kevin Marden and John Howard (Dunscar).