JOE Stanley has seen plenty in his time.

Whether it is rubbing shoulders with England cricketers or playing – and partying – with golfing royalty, he has plenty of stories to tell.

Locally, he is best known as a dual-sport star for both Knutsford Golf Club and Toft Cricket Club having represented both at a high level.

Career wise, it looks as though the course will take precedence over the wicket as Joe looks to forge a living in golf club management.

However, he has fond memories to look back on from juggling the love of two sports.

“My cricket stems back to being a Toft junior from the age of seven – I’ve been there ever since and wouldn’t dream of playing anywhere else,” he said.

“I was lucky enough to go to The Kings School Macclesfield, which was a great sporting school and with them, I went on tour to Sri Lanka as well as festivals up and down the country.

”The England cricket team were also touring whilst we were in Sri Lanka and we got to go behind the scenes to meet the players.

“I’ve also played a season in Melbourne, Australia for Mentone CC, who were fantastic and a great environment to learn the game in different conditions.

“As a junior, I played representative cricket for Cheshire and now play 1st XI cricket for Toft and the MCC when my golf doesn’t get in the way!

“Golfing wise, I only took the game up properly as a 15-year-old and soon became captain of the school team.

“I was a member of a few clubs before joining Knutsford Golf Club in 2013, allowing me to play both cricket and golf on a Saturday – tiring, but two great clubs with great people so it’s more than worth it.”

Stanley, who works on the professional staff at Didsbury Golf Club, also recalls getting up close and personal with a two-time Major winner.

“A memorable golfing highlight was getting to play with the infamous John Daly in Australia during a Pro Am,” he said.

“We had a great game with a decent crowd watching and he also invited me to an after-party in the heart of Melbourne afterwards.

“I don’t remember much of this apart from getting home at 6am with my hands full of John Daly apparel having meant to be at work for 5am.”

Joe will spend the next three years studying for a Diploma in Golf Club Management and while his ambitions are big, he is mindful of everyone at Knutsford who has helped him along the way.

“The long-term plan would be to take this abroad to somewhere like Melbourne or Dubai – two places I’m very fond of and would relish the opportunity to manage at a golf club resort,” he said.

“Golf has done well since lockdown has eased with it being one of the first social sports back, membership has become valuable again and hopefully it can continue to thrive moving forward.

“Knutsford Golf Club and John Horsley in particular helped in recommending this qualification to me and with the golf club supporting me with the information I will need for case studies etc. I can only thank them for that.”