CHRIS Fletcher has returned to his roots to join the coaching team at Trafford Golf Centre.

Fletcher began his golfing career at Davyhulme Park Golf Club and was a key player in a very successful junior team.

Also in his amateur career he won championships at Worsley GC, Astbury GC, Wilmslow GC and Werneth Low GC.

His success prompted him to become the assistant professional at DHP under head professional Dean Butler and he had four enjoyable years before getting his PGA qualification.

During this time he had two aces, playing with friends at DHP and the Manchester Alliance meeting at Warrington with playing partner Alan Faulkner.

He also enjoyed great support during this time from John Hatton (DPH junior organiser), Dean Butler and John Watson who were his PGA mentors.

Chris then took a big decision to progress his career in Germany where he spent the next 10 years before making the move back to his Trafford roots.

Chris said: “My time in Germany allowed me to be exposed to opportunities which are not necessarily available in the UK.

“Being the head senior elite coach at GC Munster-Wilkinghege gave me the chance to coach players at county and national level and I also enjoyed building a team that was able to compete with the top seven teams in the country.

“Club golf in Germany is more similar to how college teams play in the USA, being very competitive and played to a high standard by scratch/plus players.

“Most players came to me as 3-7 handicappers and were developed into scratch/plus handicappers who now play at the top level in the country.

“Working in Germany has been a great experience, I have learned another language, and the golfing achievements I have experienced are the icing on the cake and provide a great platform for my return to the UK.

“I am thrilled with the opportunity to join the team at the Trafford Driving Range, just a short distance from DHP, and share my passion and experience with my new clients.

“My teaching philosophy is based around one main rule – fitting the swing to the golfer and not the golfer to the swing.

“All golfers have different physical attributes, mental approach and time to dedicate to the game we love.

“Therefore it is critical for me to find the correct swing for each golfer so I can prepare a tailored golf swing package exactly to their ambitions, leading to optimum performance.

“To find out more and book lessons, contact me on either 749 7000 or 079891 48252.”

Bolton Old Links Golf Club is celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2016 and they gave a big hint that they will providing a scenario totally fitting of the celebrations in the season as a full field from the Manchester Alliance enjoyed a superbly conditioned and presented course for a four-man team Stableford.

The individual professional competition reflected the course condition with a string of top scores led in by Grant Hamerton (Pike Fold) with 43 points.

Chasing hard were Adam Hodkinson (Chorlton) 42, David Brunton (Ringway) and Tom Bolton (Gatley) both 41 and Tim Maxwell (Knutsford) 40.

The team competition was dominated by local stars with the hot Bolton Old Links four of Colin Maroney, Andy Fletcher, Terry Martin and Mike Wallace posting an outstanding haul of 92 points.

Just a point off the pace were solid Swinton Park quartet of Dave Smith, Ben Chambers, Jimmy O’Reilly and Mike Jones who won a card play-off on 91 points from another home four of Sean Owen, Matt Taylor, Steve Bryan and Matt Bradley.