Wigan and District Masonic Golfing Society held their annual trophy competition at Houghwood Golf Club, on a very cold day which was not conducive to golf. 27 members and guests entered the competition, pitting their skills on this demanding but spectacular course overlooking the stunning views over the North West with the sun shining in North Wales.
Marlene Oldfield presents the Atkinson Trophy won by Phil Palmer to the society secretary Kim Lyon who will deliver it safely to Phil.
This match was historically known as the Tower Golf Society tournament, as the original society was formed by players who were members of lodges meeting at Wigan’s Tower Buildings, and is still referred to under its old name by many of the competitors.
The Atkinson Trophy, open to all Wigan Group Masons was won by Phil Palmer of Ashton Trinity Lodge No 8821, and no relation to the great Arnold Palmer. Phil won with a score of 32 points beating the runner-up Derek Todd of Orrell Lodge No 8371 by 3 points. The Clifford Davies Trophy for Wigan Masons of a certain age was won by Barry Dickinson of Bryn Lodge No 6553 with a hard-earned 30 points. The Righton Insulation Services Trophy for our younger members was won by another new recruit, Andy Hall of Newton Mark Lodge No 1003 with 31 points.
The highest score of the day was won by one of the guest, Edwin Tedder who scored a magnificent 34 points. In the evening 31 members and guests assembled at Hindley Masonic Hall for the Presentation Dinner, supported by honorary vice presidents, Stanley Oldfield and David Norris, accompanied by the Wigan Group Chairman Geoffrey Porter.
Linda Porter presents society treasurer Derek Todd with his prize for being the runner-up in the Atkinson Trophy.
It proved to be a most convivial evening with prizes sponsored by Righton Insulation Services and the trophies presented by Mrs Marlene Oldfield and Mrs. Linda Porter.
The society’s next outing will be the Mike Wareing Trophy Challenge Match against the Chorley Group Golfing Society on Monday 22 August at Hart Common Golf Club. Tee-off times from 12:00. The owner of the course, Peter Robert’s kindly donates all green fees to a charity of our choosing. All are welcome.