THE golfing season got off to a terrific start at Bolton Old Links on Saturday when the first round Monthly Medal was played with a field of more than 150 competitors.

Some excellent golf resulted in low scoring from the leaders with the outcome very close indeed.

The Division One competition (handicaps 0 to 13) was won by Ricky Powter with a net 68 (72-4) on count back from Peter Hodson (80-12). Steve Bryan, playing off scratch, scored a gross 69 and was third on count back from Liam Ball whose gross 68 gave him a net 69 with playing handicap of -1.

The Division Two competition (handicaps 14-28) was won by the 2011 Red Rose captain David Harvey, who despite a double bogey at the first, recovered to record a net 68 (86-18). Calum Welsby was second with a net 69 (93-24) on count back from David Jones (89-20).

On Sunday, the Old Links team triumphed over Prestwich in the Dunham Forest Trophy.

Team captain Duncan Simm has a welcome selection problem with an influx of low handicap players this season which includes the current Bolton champion Liam Ball, Marcus Dunning, the youngest Bolton champion, who is back from college in the USA and Mick Jones, ex pro and previous member.

Regent Park A&D Classic 4bbb Stableford: 1. Alan Edwards & Simon Palmer 45, 2. Chris Green & Roy Yates(Jr) 44, 3. Steve Doherty & Anthony Jones 43.