Hamer finds top form

Martin Hamer (left) and Nick Sarjent

CHADDERTON Fold’s Martyn Hamer and Nick Sarjent, of Eastham Lodge, were the runaway winners of the north qualifier for the SkyCaddie PGA Fourball Championship.

Hamer, who is assistant professional at Ellesmere, and Sarjent shot a remarkable 12 under-par 58 at Woodsome Hall to win by four shots from Dave Brunton and Jon Cheetham.

There were 13 places at stake for the final with 10 pairs on five under involved in a dramatic play off for the last six spots with that not completed until shortly before 10pm.

Brookdale pair David Thwaites and Nick Deme missed out as they finished two under.

BROOKDALE’S Nick Deme was philosophical about his failure to win a place in this week’s Open.

The 34-year-old was the only local player to progress from the regional qualifier to the final local qualifier.

But in tough conditions at Hillside, Deme shot a seven-over-par 79 in the opening round and a no return in the second.

“I was five over par for my second round on the seventh when I couldn’t find my tee shot. There was no point going back to the tee as I wasn’t going to qualify,” he explained.

Deme still deemed it a good experience as he made it to the final qualifier for a third time, though he says playing conditions were tough as it was blowing a gale and the fairways were narrow.

There was a field of 96 at Hillside, with one of the four places in the Open going to Jean van de Velde who was third in the Open at Carnoustie in 1999.

Former top European Tour player Andrew Coltart was among those who missed out.

ROYTON’S Roger Smithies finished fifth in the Pleasington Antlers, a Mitsushiba Northern Order of Merit event.

The Manchester Hopwood player, a former Bluecoat pupil, shot 74 and 72 for a two-round total of 146 which was four shots behind winner Michael Hunt from the host club.

SADDLEWORTH are offering free coaching taster sessions during the summer school holidays.

The lessons are open to adults as well as juniors and also available to beginners/non members, and clubs and balls are provided free of charge.

The initiative, which is backed by the English Golf Union and English Women’s Golf Association, is designed to help people get into golf.

To book a lesson, telephone Saddleworth on 01457 810412.

CROMPTON AND ROYTON still have start times available for Sunday’s Royton Sword, a 36-hole scratch Mitsushiba Northern Order of Merit event.

There is also the Anniversary Salver for the best nett score with entries accepted from players with handicaps of seven or less. The cost is £25 and entries to the club on 0161 624 0986.

MICKLEHURST Cricket Club is staging its fourth annual golf day at Stamford on Friday, July 25.

The cost is £140 for a team of four and includes a buffet. There will be cash prizes. Entries to Steve Hesford (01457 832889).