SOUTHPORT & DISTRICT GOLF ASSOCIATION (SDGA) –
PROFILE
Introduction:
Formed in 1968, under the auspices of the Southport Visiter (now Trinity Mirror plc) by Joe Moore, Sports Editor, the Southport & District Golf Association(SDGA) today administers competitive inter-club golf amongst member clubs.
From the embryonic Scratch Winter League has grown an array of leagues, team tournaments and representative matches at County level. In addition to the Scratch Section, Handicap, Mixed and Under-18 Sections also enjoy a range of events aimed at promoting inter-club golf throughout the area.
Aims and objectives:
• To provide organisational and administrative management of inter-club golf matches and events for the enjoyment of amateur golfers, irrespective of age or gender
• To introduce young people to the traditions of the game and encourage the highest standards of etiquette
• To assist in the personal and sporting development of young people by providing the necessary support to maximise their potential
Management:
Management of SDGA affairs is entrusted in the Executive Committee:-
Chairman – Harry Tunnicliffe West Lancashire
Vice-Chairman – Allan Harrison Southport & Ainsdale
Executive Secretary – Keith Hick Hesketh
Treasurer – Jeff Cummins Hesketh
Executive Members – John Sciarrini (Scratch) Hillside
Ditto – Alan Whittle (Handicap) Ormskirk
Ditto – Neil Dalton (U-18) West Lancashire
Ditto – Mark Segar (Scratch Captain) Southport Old Links
Ditto – Roger Exley (Mixed) Southport Old Links
Ditto – Mike Bailey Formby
Ditto – Alan Bolton Penwortham
Ditto – Ian Sawyer Southport & Ainsdale
Ditto – Roger Cox Royal Birkdale
Steering, Match and Sub-Committees, drawn from Team Captains/Junior Organisers, acts at Scratch, Handicap and Junior levels, together with members of the Executive Committee, to co-ordinate activities in their respective sections. SDGA Organisation Chart: October 2005 refers. A Team Captain is appointed annually to oversee representational matches.
Past Chairmen:
Michael Edwards S&A
George Sutton Southport Old Links
Danny Garforth JP Ormskirk
Organisation and Administration:
Corporate responsibility for the organisation and management of SDGA affairs is maintained by the Executive Secretary, supported in turn by members of the Executive and Section Secretaries. Each SDGA member club has a representative sitting on the Executive Committee.
1989 saw the introduction of a Junior/U-18 Section. In addition to the league fixtures, the section also competes in the Lancashire (LUGC) Junior League, first winning the LUGC League in 2001 and more recently in 2015 and 2016.
The winner of the SDGA U-18 Section Summer League progresses to the Junior Team Golf Home Nations Junior Golf Championship.
The section also recognises outstanding junior talent and awards the G P Roberts Trophy to the most promising player, aged 16 and under, or a junior golfer who has overcome significant challenges in his/her life. In 2001, the SDGA U-18 Championship was inaugurated and the trophy is now renamed the Mike Edwards Trophy in honour of SDGA’s first Chairman. SDGA Juniors who have progressed to full PGA European Tour status include Tommy Fleetwood, Lee Slattery, Matthew Baldwin and James Robinson. Hollie Muse (West Lancashire GC) has represented England at Girls and Women’s Amateur International levels.
Introduction in 1992 of the Handicap Section bolstered the established aim of competitive golf at Scratch, Handicap, U-18 and latterly, Mixed levels. The annual league finals and team tournaments complement the summer leagues.
Another initiative in 2001, of the introduction of the SDGA PRO-AM-AM tournament, allows local businesses to enjoy a day in the company of some of the region’s top golfers, amateur and professional. This event is run on an as required basis and does not follow an annual format, aiming to raise funds for the Association..
Following the loss of the annual match between LUGC and Ulster in the early 1980’s, SDGA Chairman, Mike Edwards (S&A) and LUGC Team Captain, John Dickinson (Hindley Hall) agreed to stage a scratch match between SDGA and LUGC at S&A GC in 1984. An immediate success, the match is the first fixture in the LUGC calendar, with SDGA viewed as the strongest area Golf Association throughout Lancashire, providing a production line of high calibre amateurs to Lancashire (and beyond).
The Lancashire Union of Golf Clubs (LUGC) introduced the Lancashire Scratch League in 2005, which ran for nine seasons until 2013. This encouraged increased inter-regional activity and assist acceleration of young talent through the ranks of club golf. SDGA accepted the invitation to participate, along with the other contemporary golf associations and scratch leagues throughout Lancashire. SDGA won the league in 2011, beating South Lancs GA 6 ½ – ½ in the final at Morecambe GC.
An annual match against Lancashire Seniors was introduced in 2009. A team of twelve is drawn from SDGA member clubs with a Match Captain appointed annually. SDGA hosts the match on alternative years with venues sourced from clubs throughout Lancashire during alternating years. An immediate success and proving popular with players from both sides, the match enables senior golfers the opportunity to remain competitive and retain friendships built up during their playing career.
A Mixed Section was introduced in 2014 comprising Summer League and end of season Team Tournament. The section has rapidly consolidated itself amongst the followers of mixed golf, enabling clubs to compete at a mixed level, enhancing club activities with increased social activities.
The advent of a SDGA presence on the internet was initially hosted by Hillside GC member, John Dean, within his UK Golfer ,org identity. Following the withdrawal of this site a refreshed SDGA web presence was introduced under the auspices of Martyn Worthington (Ormskirk GC). The current website has been substantially updated and modified and is now being administered by Paul Stanley (S&A GC)
Keith C Hick
Executive Secretary
March 2018
SDGA ANNUAL CALENDAR and EVENTS
TOURNAMENT EVENTS – 2020
Events Tournaments Poster 2020
ANNUAL CALENDAR
WINTER LEAGUE – OCTOBER to MARCH : Scratch
A series of Scratch home or away fixtures, played over a six month period,
Normally played on a Sunday for the Southport
Visiter Winter League Trophy
Eight-a-side scratch foursomes played as a league format
SDGA v REST OF LANCASHIRE (LUGC) : Scratch
Scratch annual match forming the opening fixture in the
LUGC calendar. SDGA have first selection of any
County standard players living/playing within the
SDGA area.
Format: Twelve-a-side Morning foursomes/Afternoon singles
The fixture is hosted/funded alternatively by each body.
The J B Dickinson Trophy is awarded to the successful team;
An annual invitation is extended to John Dickinson Jnr to attend
the event and present the trophy named after his father..
Club Captains and Secretary/Managers, together with their
respective Scratch Team Captains, are invited to attend the luncheon attended by the Lancashire County President, plus LUGC and SDGA Executive Members. SDGA and LUGC take turns in funding this
event in alternate years.
APRIL/MAY – SOUTHPORT & DISTRICT SCRATCH TEAM TOURNAMENT : Scratch
This team tournament enables club teams to compete for the Scratch Team Tournament Trophy and the
event acts as the culmination of the winter playing season and as a curtain raiser for the forthcoming season. Preceded by a first ‘Get together’ at Hillside GC in 1971, arranged by Hillside
Past Captain, John McAllister OBE and Mike Edwards of S&A GC,
the event was formalised the following year as the Scratch Team
Tournament, being played at S&A GC.
Format: Eight-a-side scratch foursomes pairings
Best three out of four aggregate returns wins the team trophy.
An ancillary handicap greensomes Executive
Competition allows member club Captains and
Secretaries invited on the day to join the SDGA
Executive for an enjoyable golf day.
The Harold Swash Trophy is today awarded to the leading scratch pairing.
This trophy was originally awarded by the late ‘Putting Doctor’ in 1985
for a Summer Singles Match Play tournament.
MAY – SDGA Seniors v Lancashire Seniors (Age 55 and over) : Seniors
Introduced in 2009 this annual fixture pits seniors in a 12-a-side scratch representative match played on a home and away basis. SDGA and a Lancashire-based club host the match on an alternating
basis. The match is self-funded, drawing nothing from SDGA funds.
A Match Captain is selected annually by a Selection Committee,
comprising SDGA Chairman, Executive Secretary and Scratch
Secretary.
MAY SUMMER KNOCKOUT :Scratch
Introduced in 1979, initially as Scratch Foursomes, evolved into
AUGUST Singles match play, running until 2003. Re-introduced in 2015,
This event has re-established itself amongst the clubs during
The summer season. A draw initially selects two clubs who play-off, progressing to the First Round proper.
The final is held at a neutral venue and the winners hold the
SDGA Summer Knockout Trophy
APRIL – SEPT SUMMER LEAGUES : Handicap
Two separate leagues played on a home and away
basis to find two finalists. The top two teams in each league
qualify for the semi final. Played for the SDGA
Handicap Section Summer League Trophy donated by
George Sutton (Southport Old Links GC). The losing finalists
are awarded the SDGA Handicap Salver, donated by David
Hughes of West Lancashire GC.
Ten-a-side four ball better ball match play
Final played at a neutral SDGA selected venue
MAY – AUGUST SUMMER LEAGUES : U-18
Two separate leagues, played on a home or away
basis. Winners of each league play for the SDGA U-18 Summer League Trophy.
MAY to AUGUST SDGA U-18 CHAMPIONSHIP : U-18
The Michael Edwards Trophy is awarded to the golfer, under the age of 18 on the 1st January, each year who returns the lowest gross score at a
member club Junior Open in rotation each year.
JULY to AUGUST : U-18
A team of five juniors from member Clubs represent the SDGA in the Lancashire Associations Junior Team Trophy. The venue at which the trophy is played for is decided upon a rota basis amongst the Lancashire Golf Associations. Format – 18 holes best 4 nett scores out of 5.
MAY to AUGUST / SEPTEMBER : Mixed
Ten-a-side Mixed League played on a home or away basis.
SUMMER LEAGUE FINAL : Handicap
18 holes, played at a neutral venue
SUMMER LEAGUE FINALS : U-18
Format is 18 holes, team event
• Winner of this final qualifies for the North West Champions League Final. Finalists consist of the junior league winners from the Wirral, Mid-Cheshire and Southport & District Golf Associations.
G P ROBERTS TROPHY U-18
Awarded to the golfer under the age of 16 on the 1st
January, who shows either considerable promise,
or who has overcome significant personal challenges
during the year. The trophy was originally part of the Southport
University School Old Boys Association (SUSOBA) White Brothers Trophy Awards.
Geoff Roberts was a Master at the school and presented the trophy
to the SUSOBA.
SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER TEAM TOURNAMENT : Handicap
This event winds up the section summer season.
Format: Ten-a-side handicap four ball better ball.
Best four out of five returns takes the Handicap
Section Team Tournament Trophy.
The ancillary Executive Competition invites the
Junior Organisers of each member club to join the
SDGA Executive for an enjoyable day’s golf as a
‘thank you’ for their work during the season.
An invitation is also extended to the SDGA U-18
Champion (Michael Edwards Trophy) and the recipient of the G P Roberts
Trophy to play, dine and be presented with their trophies.
SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER TEAM TOURNAMENT : Mixed
Played during September or early October, this tournament
winds up the Mixed Section Summer League. Format is
ten-a-side mixed 4BBB Stableford for the participating teams.
An ancillary Executive Competition enables club Mixed
Representatives to join the SDGA Executive members
and guests to also participate on the day.
AM-AM TOURNAMENT : Open
Initiated in 2001, at Hillside GC, this event aims
to raise money for the various SDGA sections,
in particular, to assist the development of junior golf.
The event is run on an as required basis
Keith C Hick
Executive Secretary
March 2018
SDGA TIMELINE: 1968 – 2018
S&A GC Captain, Bill Wilding (centre left), receives the Stephenson Newspapers Southport Visiter Southport & District Scratch Winter League Trophy from Norman Daish, Captain of Ormskirk GC in March 1969 on behalf of S&A’s Scratch Team following their success in the inaugural event over the winter of 1968/69. Royal Birkdale GC finished Runners-up.
Left to right: Arthur Stephenson; Michael Reece; Gordon B B Jeffrey; Ian Campion; Ken Bamber; John Pasquill; Brian P Williams; Southport Visiter Sports Editor, Joe Moore; S&A GC Captain Bill Wilding; Norman Daish; Tom Hiley; Dixon Rawlinson; Dr David Marsh; Mark Rawlinson
1968 Introduction of the Southport & District Scratch Winter League by Joe Moore, Sports Editor, Southport Visiter Series Newspapers. Founding clubs in alphabetical order: Hesketh GC; Hillside GC; Ormskirk GC; Royal Birkdale GC; Southport & Ainsdale GC; Southport Old Links GC; West Lancashire GC. First winners were S&A GC ‘A’ team. Format: five-a-side singles scratch match play. S&A GC was so dominant at the time the club was able to field two teams for several years, the second team comprising mostly S&A’s Colts as the club’s ‘B’ Team. S&A teams won seven of the first nine years.
1969 Following the death of Joe Moore, the league continued for a further three winter seasons (1969/70; 1970/71; 1971/72) based upon the original idea but without any management structure
1971 The first informal ‘Get Together’ was run at Hillside GC, following a suggestion by Hillside GC’s John McAllister MBE and S&A’s Mike Edwards for all clubs to celebrate the end of the winter season
Formby GC join.
1972 Formation of a recognised management structure with Mike Edwards as Chairman, Keith Hick (KCH) of Hesketh GC as Secretary and Team Captains forming the initial Executive Committee. The Executive and Steering Committee(s) to oversee the smooth running of the Scratch Winter League and annual Scratch Team Tournament, both to be run by Keith Hick following agreement to formalise the successful Get Together introduced the previous year. It was agreed the Team Tournament be hosted by member clubs on a rotational basis with KCH drawing up the first rota. First Scratch Team Tournament hosted and won by S&A GC.
Monthly Newsletter introduced by KCH, mailed out to member clubs, Team Captains and Executive Members.
1974 Penwortham GC apply to join. KCH, together with Frank Rimmer (Hesketh) invited by Penwortham’s Council representatives John Wilson and Ronnie Snape to Penwortham to ascertain the club credentials and aspirations. Penwortham GC join for the 1974/75 winter season. Hillside GC enter a ‘B’ Team.
1979 Introduction of the Summer Scratch Foursomes Match Play Knockout following canvassing by KCH of member clubs. First event won by West Lancashire GC the following year in 1980. Subsequently changed to seven-a-side singles match play, running until 2003 and re-introduced in 2015.
1982 Executive Committee agree to change the name of the Southport & District Scratch Winter League to the Southport & District Golf Association with Keith Hick as Executive Secretary. An annual SDGA Events & Tournaments Poster subsequently introduced by KCH, complemented by an annual end of season SDGA Major Event Winners & Results Schedule.
Subsequent communications tools also introduced by KCH include the SDGA Organisation & Management structure chart, plus Events & Tournaments Matrix. The Matrix enables member club Secretaries to plan SDGA events up to nine years ahead in association with SDGA Section Secretaries.
1983 George Sutton, Past Captain of Southport Old Links GC succeeds Mike Edwards as SDGA Chairman following Mike’s election as Captain of S&A GC.
1984 Following the cessation of the annual match between LUGC and Ulster, LUGC Captain, John Dickinson (Hindley Hall GC) and Mike Edwards agree to hold an exploratory County match format 12-a-side scratch match at S&A GC between SDGA and Rest of Lancashire. SDGA to have first choice of Lancashire players from SDGA member clubs. John Nichol of S&AGC appointed SDGA Match Captain. ROL win a close match 10 ½ – 7 ½ .
1985 It was agreed by LUGC and SDGA to hold the above match on an annual basis at SDGA member clubs; SDGA to oversee the hosting the match annually in liaison with LUGC Secretary; funding to be shared on an alternating yearly basis. With Hesketh GC celebrating its Centenary in 1985, KCH appointed Match Captain. ROL win another close match 10-8. KCH appointed Match Manager for future matches. John Dickinson Junior subsequently donated a shield trophy bearing his father’s name for the match.
Harold Swash, Britain’s ‘Putting Doctor’ of Hillside GC donated a glass golf ball trophy bearing his name to be competed for annually during a Summer Scratch Singles Match Play Knockout Tournament. First winner was Andy Wignall Penwortham GC) who retained the trophy in 1986.
1989 At the suggestion of Mike Edwards a SDGA Junior Section, later to become the SDGA U-18 Section, is formed with support from all SDGA member clubs. SDGA Executive Member, Harry Tunnicliffe, of West Lancashire GC, is appointed Junior Section Secretary. Introduction of the SDGA Summer Junior League follows. Several outstanding junior golfers progress through the SDGA ranks to become
members of the PGA European Tour, including Tommy Fleetwood (Formby Hall GC), Lee Slattery and Matthew Baldwin (Hesketh GC), James Robinson (S&A GC) and Nick Dougherty (Formby GC).
A further SDGA junior, Phil Kenyon of Hillside GC, succeeded Britain’s Putting Doctor, Harold Swash (Hillside GC) at the YES Putting School in 2016, coaching several European PGA and USGA Ryder Cup players and major championship winners.
1990 At the behest of the Liverpool Daily Post & Echo Sports Editor, an annual Team Tournament is introduced to find the Merseyside Champion Club from the SDGA, Liverpool and Wirral areas.
Winners of the respective area leagues met for a one day tournament to determine the champion area/Association, the event running for several years before withdrawal of sponsorship by LDP&E.
1991 Preliminary approach made to SDGA member clubs by KCH to ascertain interest in the formation of a Handicap Section. Outline agreement reached with seven member clubs, excluding Formby and Royal Birkdale GC’s
1992 Following agreement to join the fledgling Handicap Section, seven member clubs form the first Summer League, apart from Royal Birkdale, who declined the invitation. KCH appointed Section Secretary for the first season, succeeded as Handicap Secretary in 1993 by David K Hughes of West Lancashire GC. SDGA Chairman, George Sutton, donates a Claret Jug trophy for the Handicap Section Summer League and David K Hughes donates a Runner-up shield.
1993 SDGA Executive Member Danny Garforth JP, Past Captain of Ormskirk GC and Past Captain of the Liverpool Society of Golf Captains, takes over as SDGA Chairman from George Sutton.
Formby GC join the Handicap Section.
Ormskirk GC host the SDGA Silver Jubilee Scratch Team Tournament to celebrate the formation of the Association in 1968. The event included introduction of a companion Executive Competition for Club Captains and Secretaries to play on the day in a concurrent event.
1994 LUGC forms the Lancashire Junior Inter-Regional League. SDGA invited to join along with other area Associations. Two geographical summer leagues formed with the league winners playing off in a Final at a neutral venue. SDGA to host the final on a rotational basis. In addition to SDGA, other Associations/areas included ELGA, Bolton & Bury, North Lancashire, Fylde, Preston, South Lancashire. Aimed at encouraging junior inter-regional golf and identifying new talent as a precursor to representing LUGC in full County matches. SDGA has registered several successes in winning this inter-regional league, most recently in 2015 and 2016.
1997 Tom Chatterton succeeds KCH as Scratch Secretary: KCH continues as SDGA Executive Secretary
1998 Harold Swash Trophy format changed; Henceforth awarded to the leading Scratch Pairing in the annual Scratch Team Tournament
2000 Introduction of the Geoff Roberts Trophy. Secured by KCH following the demise of the Southport University School Old Boys Association (SUSOBA) White Brothers Sporting Awards Trophy for outstanding youngsters aged 16 and under. The trophy, originally managed by SUSOBA, included Soccer, Cricket, Tennis, Swimming and Golf with Geoff Roberts, a Master at the school, donating the golf trophy. A member of S&A GC, Geoff was English Amateur Champion in 1951 and twice Lancashire Champion in 1953 and 1963.
2001 As a means of raising funds, predominantly for the SDGA U-18 Section, Vice Chairman Allan Harrison is instrumental in introducing an annual Pro/Am/Am Tournament. The first event is held at
Hillside GC and ran during subsequent years at S&A, West Lancashire, Ormskirk and Southport Old Links GC’s. The event is held on an ‘as needed’ basis to raise funds for SDGA, mostly at U-18 level.
Introduction of the SDGA U-18 Championship, subsequently renamed the Michael Edwards Trophy. Played in rotation as an integral part of SDGA member clubs Junior Opens. SDGA member clubs
circulated to ascertain potential interest in formation of a Mixed Section. Response deemed insufficient so the proposal was deferred, to be reviewed at a future date.
SDGA’s first Chairman (1972 – 1983), Mike Edwards of Southport & Ainsdale Golf Club, receives a framed print of Royal County Down Golf Club, Northern Ireland, from Danny Garforth JP, of Ormskirk GC, Chairman of SDGA from 1993-2005.
2005 SDGA invited by LUGC to join the Lancashire Scratch Summer League. Area Associations throughout Lancashire to be formed into two geographical leagues in a similar arrangement to the LUGC Junior Leagues with the two league winners contesting the Final at a neutral venue. Aimed at identifying new talent and for those on the periphery of County honours, to enable the County Captain to be fully informed in his team selection process. In addition to SDGA, other Associations/areas included ELGA, Manchester, Bolton & Bury, North Lancashire, Fylde, Preston, South Lancashire. The series ran between 2006 – 2012 with SDGA winning in 2011.
SDGA U-18 Secretary, Harry Tunnicliffe (Millennium Captain of West Lancashire GC) succeeds Danny Garforth as SDGA Chairman.
2009 Following an approach by Lancashire County Seniors a match at Senior level arranged by KCH and Lancashire County Seniors Secretary at Hesketh GC. Match result: SDGA Seniors 5 ½ Lancashire Seniors 6 ½
2010 Annual fixture agreed between SDGA Seniors and Lancashire Seniors following the success of the above match. SDGA to host the match in alternating years with a Lancashire based club playing host each alternating year. Qualifying criteria agreed as age 55 and over on 1st January with a handicap of 8 or better. Match to be self-funded by the players on the day. Match subsequently revised from 2017 to SDGA Seniors versus Lancashire Super Seniors.
Following an application to join SDGA Scratch, Handicap and U-18 Sections received from Formby Hall GC, together with a personal presentation to the SDGA Executive at FHGC by club Head Professional, Mark Williams, FHGC were admitted to the U-18 Section.
2010 SDGA U-18 Junior Championship Trophy renamed the Michael Edwards Trophy in honour of SDGA’s first Chairman who passed away in 2009
2013 Preliminary meeting at Hesketh GC to ascertain interest for a Mixed Section. Agreement to proceed reached with five clubs for introduction in 2014, preceded by an exploratory Mixed Team Tournament.
First Mixed Team Tournament, conceived and managed by KCH, held at Hesketh GC on Sunday 21st July. Winners: Hesketh; Runners-up: Penwortham GC. Agreement reached to hold the event on an annual basis in rotation at the five member clubs.
2014 Mixed Section introduced with the inception of a Mixed Summer League comprising: Hesketh, Ormskirk, Penwortham, Southport Old Links and West Lancashire GC’s. KCH appointed Mixed Secretary for the inaugural year. Southport Old Links GC won the first Mixed League and the Mixed Team Tournament was held at Penwortham GC, won by the host club, with Ormskirk Runners-up.
2015 SDGA win the LUGC Lancashire Junior League at Preston GC, beating Bolton GA Juniors 9-3 in the Final.
Neil Dalton, SDGA U-18 Secretary and Captain of West Lancashire GC, receives the 2015 LUGC Junior Inter-League Trophy from LUGC President, Tony McMunn, flanked by the victorious SDGA U-18 team, captained by Hollie Muse (West Lancashire GC).
Roger Exley, Past Captain and Chairman of Southport Old Links GC, appointed as Mixed Secretary.
S&A GC join the Mixed Section to increase the complement to six clubs.
Roger Cox, Past Captain of Royal Birkdale GC, succeeds the late Tom Chatterton as Scratch Secretary.
Re-introduction of the Scratch Summer KO singles match play, won by Southport Old Links GC. in the Final against Royal Birkdale GC, held at West Lancashire GC.
2016 SDGA retain the LUGC Lancashire Junior League title, beating North Lancashire GA Juniors 10-2 in the Final at Grange Park GC.
2017 SDGA retain the LUGC Junior League title for the third successive year, beating Fylde GA 10 ½ – 1 ½ in the Final at Ormskirk GC
2018 SDGA host the inaugural Lancashire Golf Associations Junior Team Championship at Hesketh GC.
Plans to be drawn up to celebrate SDGA’s Golden Jubilee in 2018/2019.
Keith Hick
Executive Secretary
March 2018
