Portland Cup
Ellesmere Golf Course, Friday 24th April 2026
After the disappointment of Stand and the closure of the course on the day, the 2026 Portland season got off to a great start at Ellesmere Golf Course.
There were a total of 26 members masquerading as golfers who having consumed their obligatory bacon sandwich queued up at the par 3 start hole. Some good shots were played onto an elevated green but it was Bill Harris who took the first prize of nearest the pin. There are a total of 5 par 3’s on this course so you would expect there would be plety of opportunities for getting some cash in the 2’s pot. How wrong can you be as although all par 3’s had a nearest the pin winner the Putting Gods were having a day off and no-one took the funds. This means a rollover next month at Royal Blackley Golf Club.
Despite the recent wet spell the course was in fine condition and for many of us it was the first time in few months that we got to play off grass instead of the winter mats we have been used to. It became obvious that a few more games would be needed to get going again. As is normal the first group out has responsibility for taking out the nearest the pin markers it was with some reluctance that the responsibility was given to John Martin who has a bit of history of failing this simple task. However despite forgetting on a couple of holes, having the use of a buggy meant that he was able to nip back with the markers before anyone noticed.
A last minute entry from Tony Kershaw caused a quick rejigging of the start sheet and I’m not sure what effect Tony had on his playing partners but two of them failed to finish the 18 holes. The results are shown below and just 5 points separated the top 6 players with past captain Jay Chambers beating Roger Passey by one point to take the cup
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Jay Chambers with vice captain Dave Hartley
The golf was followed with a welcome beer and a two course meal, and because of last months cancellation the AGM took place after this.
The AGM was called to order by secretary John Coburn and the new Captain Rob was introduced. In his absence his vice captain Dave Hartley accepted on Robs behalf. The 2025 Player of the Year award was presented to Bill Harris at this point.
The newly elected captain Rob Goodwin Davey was unable to attend this event but let it be known that his charity this year will be to raise funds to enable a room at Ronald McDonald house to be dedicated to Jack Derbyshire the son of one of our members and past captain Pete Derbyshire who tragically suffered a fatal heart attack at the age of 27.
Our aim is to raise £10,000 to name a room at Ronald McDonald House, Manchester in his memory!
Ronald McDonald House Charities UK provides free ‘home away from home’ accommodation to families with children having treatment in hospital.
Our Houses offer much more than just a place to stay; they provide family activities, peer support, respite, and many other services. This means that families can be by their child’s bedside in a matter of moments, whilst maintaining a degree of normal life with reduced emotional and financial strain.
So far the efforts have raised over £5,000
The raffle held at this event raised £156 for the charity.
More info can be found on following link.
https://www.justgiving.com/page/thejackderbyshireroom?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL
Next event Friday 29th May Presidents Cup at Royal Blackley Golf Club