THE Manchester and District Ladies Golf Association has appointed Tricia Hunt of Prestbury Golf Club as its new president.

Founded in 1902, the MDLGA is one of the oldest and biggest organisations of its kind in England for lady golfers with 88 member clubs and runs a variety of competitions throughout a busy season.

Hunt has been a member at her club for more than 20 years with a best handicap of eight and she has enjoyed team success in the East Cheshire League and other inter-club matches.

She won the MDLGA Bunty Booth competition in 2002 and was twice on the Bell Cup winning team and also won the MDLGA team event.

She said: “I served on the MDLGA committee a few years ago and it was an experience I enjoyed greatly, making loads of new friends.

“I am delighted and honoured to have been elected as president of such a wonderful organisation, with a great committee, and due to the association’s size and great age I would like to see it in big bright lights.

“The present format of the association’s competitions is very popular and I would hope to see them well supported and it will be lovely to have the Bell Cup final at my home club.

“The blue riband event for the MDLGA is the Bell Cup which has an entry of more than 80 clubs, with teams of seven of the top players in each club playing in the matchplay format.

“In 2017 Prestbury were the winners at Bury and this year the club will host finals day as it is traditionally held at the home club of the president.

“The Bunty Booth competition began after the association centenary year and each member club holds a competition with the winner representing the club in the final that will be held this year at Lymm on June 8.

“Bury Golf Club will host the competition day for the Challenge Cup and Lloyd Jones Trophy in July and the other competitions are the team event at Blackley in August and the BB Pairs at Bramhall in September.

"I would urge members of all of the clubs to check out the details on the MDLGA website (www.mdlga.co.uk) and book their places.

“Hopefully the association will continue to grow from strength to strength and I would like to thank all of the member clubs for their support as I look forward to an exciting and enjoyable year.”

The draw for the Bell Cup has been made and the clubs in the local area will be in action in the preliminary and first rounds in the coming months and feature: Preliminary round – Accrington v Sale, Davyhulme Park v Hazel Grove, Wilmslow v Ringway, Hale v Didsbury, Withington v Dean Wood.

Round one – Chorlton v Manchester, Lowes Park v Dunham Forest, Pike Fold v Northenden.