CHRIS Mulhearn has had a long connection with Flixton Golf Club as he grew up in the family house that backed on to the first hole of the course and it got him into golf.

Now after playing golf for 46 years there he is the captain in the club’s 125th year.

Mulhearn said: “Back in my youth I attempted to play football as golf was not really encouraged if you were a junior, but my parents kept paying the subs, so I never left.

“I love links golf and have played many fine courses on the west side of the country from Saunton, Royal Porthcawl, Birkdale to Machrihanish and on the east side from Hunstanton, north to Goswick and up into Scotland at Royal Dornoch, however the standout for me has to be Carnoustie – that finish is unique, and the rest of the course is pretty special too.

“My favourite hole at Flixton is the ninth – it’s the stroke-one hole on the course but it’s a tough test of your ability, 447 yards, dog-leg left with the river out of bounds on the left to a well guarded green – no bunkers but the trees pinch right in on either side to give a narrow entrance from some 200 yards back (at least) these days.

“My other hobbies include fell walking, which is a passion –a good long day out, the views, solitude and pushing myself. The granddaughter also keeps me entertained.

“For my other hobbies, I bleed red – Manchester United red that is.

"I have followed them home and away since the mid 70s (through the bad times and the unbelievable times) with three very good friends and we went everywhere.

“Then one day, five years ago, we got let down on away match tickets and at the end of that season all of us never bothered renewing.

“ For my golfing highlights I suppose I should really say becoming captain at Flixton, however, there have been so many.

"The trips away, making so many great friends, the laughs we have had will live forever.

"Then great days at Flixton – it holds so many fond memories.

" I think golf itself has to be the personal highlight.

"My chosen fourball to play with would be Sir Alex Ferguson – I’m certain he could even have motivated me to get out on the range and improve my performances, plus a game with a living legend – need I say more?

"Also Phil Mickelson – a free lesson from the 'short-game king'', now that’s what I need these days.

"Finally I'd pick Sir Winston Churchill – for the after-dinner stories, cigars, port and brandy. I think the evening would stretch into the wee hours.

“Flixton Golf Club is Manchester’s hidden gem – the members have long known it and as a club I think we are starting to believe as well.

“I’d encourage anybody who has never played golf to visit – it’s in stunning condition throughout the year and a good test of your ability and being playable from four different sets of tees it will suit all standards.

“As a nine-hole course it's attracting a lot of visitors who want an enjoyable two-hour round after work.

“Flixton is fun to be a member of – golf is competitive but the pre and post-game facilities are first class – a great bar and function room complimented by a balcony the envy of many which is regularly described as 'probably the best beer garden in the world'.

“The staff, from our administrator, steward and caterer, are extremely attentive and will cater for your every requirement be it a wedding, birthday celebration, funeral, christening or a family meal.”