LINDA England, from Pike Fold Golf Club, is relishing the challenge of being president of the Manchester and District Ladies' Golf Association – one of the biggest golf organisations of its kind in the country.

England served on the MDLGA committee from 2012 to 2014 and was the Bunty Booth competition secretary for 2015 to 2018.

Now she will be at the helm for 2019 and said: “I was shocked but honoured when asked to be president.

"I am the first member of Pike Fold to become president of the MDLGA and I must thank the club for supporting my appointment.

"I will do my utmost to ensure the traditions of the association are upheld and be deserving of the honour.

“I took up golf almost 30 years ago and am so glad I did.

"There are not many sports you can play as an OAP and the fresh air, exercise and friendships made through this wonderful game all provide positive health benefits.

"The sport does need to attract younger members however, and I am pleased to report the MDLGA hold raffles throughout the year to support junior girls’ golf in Lancashire and Cheshire.

"Hopefully these girls will provide us with the next generation of lady golfers.

“Over the years I have been competition and handicap secretaries and was lady captain of Pike Fold in 2014 and lady president in 2015.

"I have won numerous board prizes and trophies but I consider the greatest achievements to be my three club championship wins.

“I love matchplay and that is why I am so thrilled the Bell Cup final will be played at my home club, Pike Fold, on Friday, August 30.

"What an honour it is for the club to host the final matches in this prestigious knockout competition.

"I am sure it will be a close-fought contest and cannot wait for the drama to unfold and watch the winning putts drop to decide matches and the eventual victors.

"MDLGA member clubs provide us with a fine selection of golf courses for our competitions and 2019 sees us at Haydock Park on June 7 for the Bunty Booth final, Prestbury on July 5 for the Challenge Cup/Lloyd Jones Scratch Trophy, Bolton Lostock on August 9 for a team event and Ashton-in-Makerfield on September 13 for a 4BBB Stableford competition.

"I would encourage all the lady members of the MDLGA clubs – more than 80 – to check out the website at www.mdlga.co.uk and enter our competitions in 2019 where they will be made most welcome.”