THE President’s Day, which is the finale of the Manchester Alliance winter season, managed to defy heavy overnight rain and the players were able to enjoy a fine day on an excellent course at Davyhulme Park.

Alliance captain John Davies (Sale GC) was fearful prior to the event that his new record of nine Alliance competition cancellations would be extended but his fears were unfounded.

However, in recognition of his new record he was presented with a snorkel and goggles by President John Dowd (Flixton Golf Club) who has now completed a magnificent record of 26 years in the role in the biggest organisation of its kind in the country.

There were plenty of prizes on offer and Penwortham Golf Club assistant pro Ryan O’Neill picked up two of them with his fine round of 67 that saw him take the coveted President’s Trophy and the top pro prize.

He had a best-of-the-day 67 to finish ahead of Craig Corrigan (69) and Phil Archer and Colin Moroney (both 70).

The top amateur was Charles Herbert, of Styal Golf Club, with his nett round of 69 taking him clear of Paul Dalby (Wilmslow) on 70 and Steve Moores (Stamford) on 72.

The big prize on offer was the professional Order of Merit which has been a focus throughout the season and Phil Archer (Poulton Park), who was a member of the GB and Ireland team that won the PGA Cup against the USA in 2017, was looking to retain the trophy he won last year.

He was pressed all the way by Craig Corrigan but triumphed with a total of 456 points, 47 clear of Corrigan.

In third place was Chorley assistant pro Andy Palmer and the points gained were enough to secure him the Assistant Pro OoM title from Rob Batchelor (Stand) on 162 and Alistair Waddell (Styal) on 122.

The final major prize was for the Amateur OoM (sponsored by Mike Hollingworth of Denton GC) and it went to the wire as Bolton’s Keith Ashton overtook long-time leader Jimmy O’Reilly (Swinton Park Golf and Country Club) to post 46 points ahead of O’Reilly (43) and Steve McDermott (Ashton-on-Mersey) on 36.

The guest prize was taken by Dukinfield professional Dave Green with 73, one less than Scott Jackson (Disley) and Vinny Doyle (Leigh).