WILLOWBROOK GOLF Club lies deep in the rolling hills of Manchester. Nestled among the greenery and pristine landscapes, it is a coveted destination for golf enthusiasts worldwide. And it’s not hard to see why. The 18-hole course has consistently earned awards for its challenging yet enjoyable play, open to all.
Despite the course’s undeniable appeal, the Senior Scramble has become a beloved tradition among the golfing community. Every Tuesday and Thursday, seniors aged 50 and over gather together for a relaxed and friendly round of golf, teeing off in a format that inspires camaraderie and sportsmanship.
The scramble format levels the playing field as teams of four take turns hitting shots, with the best result of those four taken, and players paired based on their golfing handicaps or ability level. It doesn’t matter what level they’re at. Everyone can join the fun, from seasoned pros to weekend golfers.
Golf Professional Barry Bishop with the WillowBrook Golf Club said, “When they play their own ball, they hit it a few more times, and their scores go up. And then playing the scramble format like we do, you get to go ahead and hit the shots.”
But what truly sets WillowBrook Golf Club apart is its commitment to providing an inclusive environment for all seniors, regardless of age or skill level. They also created a super senior bracket for citizens aged 75 and over, allowing them to play from a shorter T-placement.
This approach has made the Senior Scramble such a resounding success, with 25-40 players participating in the off-season and summertime, respectively. And with several hole-in-ones already recorded this year, it’s clear to see that the format is working wonders.
Bishop said, “We’ve had several hole-in-ones, which are probably the pinnacle of golfing as an individual golfer. That’s something that everyone really wants to have happen, and it seems like, within our group, we have had several, I think we’ve had four already this year.”
But what Bishop appreciates most is the sense of fellowship and camaraderie that has blossomed among the players.
“The camaraderie that they develop and the fellowship is really good, just being able to meet some new people. And also sometimes to get to play with the same friends.”
Bishop said that over time, the players have become a close-knit group, so much so that when difficult situations arise, they rally together to lift each other up.
The Senior Scramble at WillowBrook Golf Club is a special tradition that has been going on for many years. It allows players of all ages to experience the joys of golf in a light-hearted and social atmosphere. With laughter, friendship, and good times, WillowBrook Golf Club proves that age is no barrier when it comes to enjoying your favorite activities. GN
