Captain’s Welcome

It is a genuine privilege to serve as Captain this year and to represent a club with such a proud history, strong traditions, and, most importantly, a warm and vibrant membership.

For me personally, this role carries special meaning. I joined Manchester in 1980 as a junior, was honoured to serve as Junior Captain in 1988, and now have the privilege of following in the footsteps of my late father, David Leech, who was Captain in 2006. I am immensely proud that this marks the first father and son captaincy in the club’s history, and it is incredibly special for my family and me to be part of this milestone.

What continues to strike me is that The Manchester is far more than a fine golf course. It is a community built on friendship, respect, and a shared love of the game. Whether you are a long-standing member, new to the Club, or a visiting guest, I hope you feel the same sense of belonging that makes this place so special.

The year ahead promises to be an exciting one for the Club. We are proud to be hosting several prestigious events that showcase both the quality of our course and the strength of our organisation behind the scenes. In 2026 we will welcome:

The Lancashire Amateur Championship
An LET Access Tour event in July
And, for the first time, a World Ranking Points scratch tournament in June, jointly hosted with our friends at Ormskirk Golf Club

These events are a testament to the condition of our course, the reputation of the Club, and the commitment of our staff, volunteers, and members who continually support what we do. They also provide a wonderful opportunity for us to put Manchester on a wider golfing stage and to come together as a club to support occasions we can all be proud of.

This year, both the Lady Captain and I are proud to support our Charity of the Year, Jolly Josh. An incredible local registered charity dedicated to helping children and young adults with complex medical needs and physical disabilities. You can learn more about their work and support their mission here.

We hope the Club will once again show its customary generosity and enthusiasm in supporting the various fundraising events planned throughout the season in aid of this wonderful cause.

Alongside these headline events, our regular competitions, matches, and social calendar remain at the heart of club life. I would encourage everyone to get involved, play as much golf as possible, and make the most of the friendships and experiences that membership offers.

My Lady Captain, Kath Broderick, and I very much look forward to meeting as many members and guests as possible throughout the year, both on and off the course. We are grateful for the support already shown and for the spirit in which members continue to contribute to the life of the Club.

I hope you enjoy a fantastic year at The Manchester. Here’s to great golf, good company, and many memorable moments.