BIRCHWOOD golfer Phil Archer starts 2017 as the leader of the Manchester and District Alliance Order of Merit.

After the festive break, competitors return to action at Tytherington Golf Club on Wednesday, with Archer holding a healthy 46-point lead over Chorley assistant Andy Palmer.

Close to another 20 competitions are to be held between now and President's Day at Bramhall Golf Club on Wednesday, May 3, when consistency over the series will receive rich rewards.

The professional’s OoM is the top trophy for the Alliance winter season.

Current placings:

1, P Archer (Birchwood) 223; 2, A Palmer (Chorley) 177; 3, J Howarth (Davenport) 165; 4, S Jackson (Disley) 153; 5, R Batchelor (Stand) 138; 6, A Hodkinson (Chorlton) 137; 7, S Parry (Hart Common) 117; 8, O Smith (Ashton on Mersey) 101; 9, D Smith (Swinton Park) 97; 10, G Hamerton (Pike Fold) 86.