From the GM’s Office:

What a month! An unprecedented amount of success for the sections and teams and Tom Watson almost winning the Open. 

The golf course continues to be in great condition despite the heavy showers, we have received some fantastic feedback from visitors and guests alike.

August will see the completion of the Captains Trophy the penultimate major of the year leaving just the Club Championship up for grabs.

On Wednesday the 2nd September will be running a members information evening to discuss a couple of key topics and for Graham Swarbrick to conduct a presentation about the golf course, further details to follow.
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Hi everyone,
Well it’s been a great month at A & L with trophy’s pouring in, congratulations to the Guild Cup winners, ladies and men also to the Fylde league team and the junior team that won their charity cup, well done to the P & D team who finished a credible third place close behind Shaw Hill & the winners Fishwick Hall.

A special mention goes to Scott Richardson who won my day for juniors and then went on to card a 74 gross in the charity cup to earn himself a single figure handicap, thanks to all concerned who help to organise and run all these teams and events.

My away day to Ulverston golf club was one of the highlights of my year so far (what I can remember of it ) thanks to Vice Captain for organising it and to all the guys who joined me, some great golf was played on the day well done to the winners and to Dave Jaques for staying awake all the way home.

I am preparing for the Captains day competition as I write this so good luck to all who enter, I hope the weather is good and I’m sure some good scores will come in especially with the favourable pin positions that could arise if you all buy me lots of drinks. Seriously I hope you enjoy the competition and can join me for the presentation night on the 8th of August with a buffet and great entertainment with Justin and the band.Carry on enjoying your golf and I’ll see you at the club.
Mick Wilson, Club Captain 

Well, July has been a busy month for the ladies section.
Ladies invitation day on 4th July was a great success and all the ladies enjoyed the course.
I thoroughly enjoyed Lady Captain's day on the 9th and 11th July. The build up to the second round was spent watching the weather report and the forecast was for heavy rain. The forecast proved to be incorrect and the weather on the day was glorious. Adrienne Bennett won Lady Captain's Day this year, with a terrific 75 + 63. Adrienne's great score on Saturday meant that she dropped her handicap and now plays of 9. What a great achievement!


(Adrienne (left) pictured with the Lady Captain)
There were plenty of other great scores on the day and I would like to thank everyone for participating and making it a truly memorable day. Lady Captain's weekend was completed spectacularly, when Ashton & Lea ladies won the Guild Cup at Fishwick on 12th July. Well done to all the team and to the men for their win too.
This week, I had my day out to Ashton In Makerfield Golf Club. Again, the forecast was for heavy rain all day and although it did rain a little bit, it didn't spoil the day. Kate May won the first prize, Lady Vice Captain was 2nd and an on form Cathy Widdows took 3rd prize. 
Joanne Startin, Lady Captain.

For the first time the rain has left us alone and allowed the Seniors to complete fixtures on schedule.
 
A successful Seniors Open was held on 9th June with some success for Ashton and Lea. The 55 - 64 Division was won by Graham Oglesby and Brian Tickle(45 points) and the President and Barry Piggott third(40 points). A third place went to Henry Steele and his partner E. Parkinson(41 points) in the 65+ category. Many thanks for all those who helped on the front desk and especially to our 2 starters, Steve and Arthur.
 
The Drabble Trophy was a closely fought competition, with Alf Jennings first, followed by Albert Mullan and Eddie Horridge. Bernard Stanley won the over 70's prize. 34 Seniors attended the meal that followed the competition. This was held in the Calvert Suite and we  had superb views across the course. A pleasant way of finishing the day!

(Alf Jennings (left) pictured with Barry)
Barry Piggott, Seniors Section Captain

JUNIORS
Big congratulations to the juniors for winning the Charity Cup 2009. The team finished 5 points ahead of Longridge with Lancaster back in 3rd place.
 
     1) Tom Horton   84-7  = 77
     2) Stephen Nixon  83-10  =73
     3) William Kelly  87-12  =75
     4) Scott Richardson  74-12  =62
     5) Nick Walker   86-14  =72
     6) Tom Clayton  85-16  =69
 
This was a great team performance with the top 4 scores counting for the team prize. A special mention for Scott Richardson who shot a superb 74 gross net 62 and a great effort from Tom Clayton with a net 69. Scott's fantastic round won the gross prize with Stephen Nixon winning nearest the pin and Tom Horton claiming the longest drive. Well done boys keep up the good work.

(Scott with his Charity Cup trophies)
Daniel Clark, Junior Golf Manager

GOLF COURSE
It's been a very challenging month with nearly six inches of rain falling, this makes it very difficult to cut the greens to the height we would like. To counter this we have been verti-cutting more frequently than normal.

We are continually topping the bunkers up and moving the sand about as often as possible but the heavy rainfall is washing them out with increased regularity.

On the course we have trimmed back the trees in front of the 8th and the 11th tee to give golfers a better view of the hole (and less excuses!)
Graham Swarbrick, Head Greenkeeper

PRO SHOP
Congratulations to Andy Mottley who won the Ping bag in the open draw with Stewart Cink and Dave Jones who was second having drawn the incredible Tom Watson.
In the Shop we have some great offers at this time,..........
Ping SF6 Cart Bag, these were £84.00 now they are on sale at £64.99. This must be the best golf bag available for the price.
Srixon balls are always the best price here with the Distance ball at £11.95 a dozen,AD333 £15.00,and the Z-STAR range £29.99 and £34.99.
 
We are having a Demo Day August 8th and there will be special deals on the day......Nike Ping and a surprise make............!

SOCIAL
All of the tickets for the Captains Day have now gone and it promises to be a great night with 180 people rocking!
The murder mystery night on the 7th August still has some availabilty with tickets available behind the bar.

AND Finally.....
On Saturday 22nd August we are running an open day, there will be some great offers for memberships available on the day. If you have any friends or family who might be interested in joining please spread the word!

Regards

Simon Plumb
General Manager