The annual Warrington Masonic Golf Day took place in June 2023 and once again was held at the picturesque Haydock Park Golf Club.
There was no lunch this year so the expectant golfers all gathered on the patio next to the putting green and practice nets in anticipation of playing their best golf of the year, well that was the plan for the potential prize winners.
The number of attendees was a healthy 29 players, who were joined at the festive board by the Warrington Group Chairman Andy Barton and group vice chairman John Tyrer.
The weather followed on from the week’s early trend, a little overcast in the morning but developing on to full sun for the 1:00 pm tee-off time. The Warrington Group representative Dave Goddard, along with Barry Corcoran and Ian White were first to tee off, followed by golfers of all standards and abilities.
Once again, the ladies from Antrobus GC were taking part organised by Jean Starkey. They were joined by Amy Clansey, who was playing for the first time. The ladies were playing for the Phil Gartside Trophy, donated by Phil’s wife Carol, who was also playing on the day.
Following the tournament, all contestants sat down to enjoy an excellent two-course meal produced by the new catering team at Haydock Park Golf Club and were joined for the meal by the group chairman Andy Barton and the group vice chairman John Tyrer.
As is a Masonic tradition, raffle tickets were sold during the meal, raising £155 for the West Lancashire Masonic Golf Society. This was very kindly topped up by Carol Gartside, who as captain of the Antrobus ladies, was given the ‘courtesy of the course’, so donated her green fee of £30 to the West Lancashire Golf Society, making a total of £185.
Once the meal was over, the eagerly anticipated prize giving took place. Dave Goddard invited Andy Barton to present the skill prizes for; nearest the pin, nearest the pin in two. The Visitors’ Shield was won by a first-time player, Jonathan Clansey.
Carol Gartside was invited to present the major ladies’ prize; The Phil Gartside Memorial Trophy to the winner, Sue Mazurkiewicz.
The group chairman presented the major Masonic golf trophies; The R W Collins Trophy to the winner, Phil Thompson and the Ron Hankin Trophy to Ian Boardman. Thanks were expressed to Barry Jameson for donating the pro shop voucher for the R W Collins Trophy winner.
The evening was brought to a close by the group chairman thanking Dave Goddard for organising the day’s event. Dave responded by thanking the regular attendees for their continued support and the first-time attendees and hoped that they would return for next year’s golf day. He also thanked the club and catering staff for their assistance, the chairman and vice chairman for their attendance, and most importantly, all those who participated and supported the day’s event.
Article and photographs by Dave Goddard.