The Sunday Nighters was formed in 1973 by a number of 'couples' within Gatley Golf Club. They agreed to meet each Sunday afternoon and play a four ball competition. The man would swap partners with the other and they played a greensome medal format.
Each year in December an Annual Presentation Dinner was held and the Player of the Year trophy was awarded to the lady and gentleman who had the lowest aggregate medal score with six different partners. This was later changed to a 4BBB Stableford format.
Much of the same traditions still exist today the most notable exception being that the 4BBB format has been
replaced by a Single Stableford format. This was due almost entirely to an ageing membership resulting in
many of the partnerships no longer existing or able to play golf.
Now, a mixture of ladies and gents meet most Sundays between April and the end of October and complete a
score card. Depending on attendance for that week they are split into 3 or 4 ball games with at least one lady
in the group thereby retaining the 'mixed' format of the Society.
Now the Player of the Year is awarded to the lady and gentleman who have the highest aggregate score over
six games giving everybody a reasonable chance of success. In addition, we also have the John Mainwaring
trophy in memory of one of the Society's staunchest supporters who sadly died in 2002. The player with the
highest individual score during the season regardless of gender is awarded the trophy and a prize donated by
John's widow Barbara.
The Annual Presentation Dinner is still held each December with anybody who has played with us during the
year invited to attend. Traditionally the Club Captain and his partner are also invited as guests of the Society
and the Captain presents the prizes.
