A Celebration of Club Spirit, Competition, and Generosity

Gratitude to Members and Guests
On behalf of both the Lady Captain and Mr Captain, we extend our sincerest thanks to all members and guests who joined us for the Captains Drive-In on Saturday, 4th April 2026. Your presence and support were instrumental in making the day a memorable occasion. We deeply appreciate the effort and enthusiasm shown by everyone who attended, contributing to the sense of community that defines our club.

Charity Fundraising
A particular highlight of the day was the generous contribution made to the Captains’ chosen charity. Thanks to your kindness and support, we are delighted to announce that a total of c.£2,750 was raised. Every donation, large or small, will go a long way in supporting the vital work of our charity partner: Variety the Childrens’ charity, with particular thanks to Variety Golf for their support in assisting our efforts to raise the funds needed to secure a specially adapted coach for the Special Educational Needs children of Dee Banks school, Chester. Our heartfelt thanks go to each and every contributor for making a tangible difference.

Club Atmosphere
The club was buzzing with excitement throughout the day, with laughter and lively conversation echoing around the clubhouse and greens. Members and guests alike displayed remarkable camaraderie, reflecting the friendly and welcoming spirit that our club is known for. The drive-in was not only a sporting highlight, but also a wonderful opportunity for all to reconnect and celebrate together.

Perry Cup Acknowledgement
We would like to express our profound gratitude to Gil Perry for his longstanding support and for generously providing and once more actually presenting the Perry Cup, which has become a cherished tradition. Gil’s continued dedication to the club is truly appreciated. Congratulations to this year’s Perry Cup winners, whose names will now join the esteemed list of past champions. Well done to all participants for their spirited performances.

Event Overview
The Captain versus Lady Captain Teams event, held on Monday, 6th April, was a showcase of friendly yet fierce competition. The weather was kind, providing excellent conditions for play. Both teams demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship and determination, with matches played in great spirit and with a genuine sense of rivalry that added to the excitement of the day. Made even better by Mr C and Mr VC taking victory in the opening 4 ball!!

Outcome
After a series of closely contested matches, the final result saw the Gents Captain’s team securing victory and lifting the shield trophy. Commiserations to the Lady Captain’s team, who fought valiantly to the end and contributed to a thrilling contest. Both sides are to be congratulated for their commitment and effort throughout the day.

Member Commitment
The event was marked by exceptional participation, with members turning out in force to support their respective teams and cheer on their fellow competitors. The atmosphere was electric, characterised by friendly banter and mutual respect, with no better evidence than the large group of members who gathered around the 18th green to welcome home the final 2 pairings and to greet warmly some newbies to club comps…..

Conclusion: Thanks from Mr Captain and Lady Captain
In closing, we wish to extend our warmest thanks once again to every member and guest who took part in Captains Weekend. Your enthusiasm, generosity, and sportsmanship are what make our club truly special. We look forward to many more memorable occasions together over the course of the season.

Your Captains
Graham & Sue

We are delighted to advise that the Winter League Final was played very much in the right sporting atmosphere and it was a pleasure to act as referee for the guys.

The game itself was closely fought with never more than a 1 hole advantage being held by either team. The match concluded on the 18th green where Alan Gregory and John Verdin halved the hole to retain their 1 hole lead and secure the victory.

William Furmedge and Alex Carrol were still smiling afterwards when all parties shared a customary beverage in the clubhouse and analysed the reasons for defeat and victory alike.

All in all, it seems to have been a very successful comp so thanks must also go to you and the team for all the hard work and support in making it happen.

Cheers

Graham
(Captain)

We are delighted to introduce ourselves as your Club Captains, and to extend a very warm welcome to all members.
Our photos are included here so you will recognise us when you see us around the club. We very much look forward to meeting as  many members as possible, whether you have been part of the club for years or have only recently joined.
Please do feel free to introduce yourself at any time, we are always pleased to speak with members and hear your thoughts and experiences.

Our priority throughout our year of office is to help foster a welcoming, inclusive and enjoyable environment for all. We are committed to supporting the continued success of the Club and ensuring that every member is able to make the most out of their golf and the facilities available.

We are very fortunate to have several strong and supportive committees working hard behind the scenes to help run the club and organise competitions, handicaps, events, and improvements for the benefit of all members. Their time and commitment is hugely appreciated.

Please also visit our updated club website, which now includes a new Ladies’ section:
👉 https://www.portalgolfclub.co.uk/ladies---welcome

We wish you great golf, good company, and many enjoyable rounds and we look forward to seeing you around the club.

Warm regards,
Your Captains for 2026,

Graham Garner- Jones and Sue Wall

Our contact details can be found on the ClubV1 members hub

Captains’ Charity – Variety, the Children’s Charity

This year, we are proud to support Variety, the Children’s Charity, which for over 75 years has helped improve the lives of disabled and disadvantaged children across the UK.

Together with local schools and families, we are raising funds for a Sunshine Coach — a specially adapted vehicle that will be gifted to local schools and used within our community. The coach will enable children with special educational needs and disabilities to take part fully in school life, educational trips, and community events.

With the generous support of Macdonald Portal Hotel, we hope to raise enough to make a lasting difference for local children.
Find out more about Sunshine Coaches here:

👉 https://www.variety.org.uk/how-can-we-help/sunshine-coaches/

Captains’ Charity Bunkers
Our chosen charity bunkers this year are:
* The bunker to the right of the green on the 5th hole of the Premier Course, and
* the bunker at the front of the 16th hole on the Championship Course

The “penalty” for landing in one of these bunkers will be a £2 donation to the Captains’ Charity each time you enter — or, if you prefer, you can make a one-off £20 donation for the year and play freely!

Please give generously to this most worthy cause.

UPCOMING EVENTS

CAPTAINS’ DRIVE-IN – Saturday 4th April
Our first tournament of the season, The Perry Cup, is named in honour of the club’s first Captain and President, Gil Perry, who will present the trophy to the winning team (date subject to his availability).
This is always a fun and social day — Texas Scramble format, food, raffles, and the traditional challenge of seeing how far the Captains can hit their drive with an antique hickory club!

CAPTAIN vs LADY CAPTAIN – Monday 6th April
A friendly yet competitive Mixed 4-Ball Better Ball competition — always great fun and full of spirit.

QUIZ NIGHT – Saturday 18th April
Join us in the Castle Suite at the hotel from 7:00 PM for another brilliant night hosted by Mr. Pat Roper, returning once again as quizmaster.

Further details will be shared soon, but please save the date!

There are, of course, weekend and midweek competitions most weeks — so we hope to see you out on the course enjoying your golf throughout the year.

Here’s to a happy, friendly, and enjoyable season ahead!

The 2026 AGM was held on Monday 19th January at the Castle Suite, Macdonald Portal Hotel where incoming Captains, Sue Wall and Graham Garner-Jones, took office from retiring Captains, Amy Lester and Davie Thompson. The meeting was attended by 60 members, Macdonalds Management, led by Ruth Duckworth, and special guests Liam Birchall and Rachel McMullin, representing Age UK Cheshire, who accepted a cheque from the retiring Captains on behalf of the members for £27,910.67.