Cream rises to the top in Cheshire Cat
Cheshire players dominate WAGR event at Stockport and Wilmslow
The Cheshire Cat, a World Amateur Golf Ranking event, saw two days of stunning golf played over 36 holes at Stockport for the Stockport Salver and next day another 36 holes at Wilmslow GC for the Wilmslow Crow Trophy. The 72-hole aggregate winner takes the Cheshire Cat trophy.
There were well deserved accolades from the players for the terrific condition of both courses and the immaculate organisation of the event.
The Cat began in 2015 combining the Salver and the Crow and is now a Cheshire and Northern Order of Merit event as well as a world ranking (WAGR) event.
There was a full field of 66 players and due to the high number of entries a ballot was needed with players coming from as far afield as the Isle of Man, Devon, Lincoln, Wales and even Dubai
Both courses were in immaculate and challenging condition for some of the top players in the region and two top players Sam Johnson (Wilmslow and Astbury Golf Clubs) the 2025 Cheshire Men’s Champion and Matt Dodd-Berry (Royal Liverpool) the winner of the Wilmslow Crow in 2022 locked on 13 under par.
They were just one shot clear of Paul McFerran (Sandiway GC)
The winner was decided on the final round score and Sam got the nod posting 67 to Matt’s 69 to win the Cheshire Cat.
The Stockport Salver was won by Matt Dodd-Berry with rounds of 68 and 66 from Paul McFerran 136 and Sam Johnson and Cole Self (Ringway). both 137.
There was a remarkable incident on Stockport's par 5 ninth hole when the group of Max Ranson, Paul McFerran and Sam Burton recorded scores of birdie, eagle and albatross.
Next day the Wilmslow Crow was won by by Sam Johnson with rounds of 68 and 67 total 136 from Paul McFerran, Ellis Courtnell (Ringway).and Greg Holmes (Royal Birkdale) all 138
The presentation of the trophies and prizes was undertaken by Wilmslow Captain John Barnes who presented the Crow and Cat to Sam Johnson and Stockport Captain Tony Gregory who presented the Stockport Salver to Matt Dodd-Berry then both Captains presented the Cheshire Cat to Sam Johnson.
Tony Gregory (Stockport Captain), Matt Dodd-Berry, Sam Johnson and John Barnes (Wilmslow Captain)
The players and officials gave deserving thanks to the host clubs for their perfect courses and excellent support and organisation for a memorable competition.
The Cheshire Cat and Wilmslow Crow organising member Reg Maddock (Wilmslow GC) said: “The competition’s reputation as a well organised competition with a high quality field is growing, with players travelling from all over the country and even from abroad.
“After the success of this year’s competition we’re hoping that the the event will continue to grow and attract more high profile amateur golfers.”
Copy: Geoff Garnett
Images: Geoff Garnett (presentation), Jerry Dixon (on course)
