Gary’s trophy joy

Winner gary Melling with Crompton and Royton captain John Truelove (left) and president Ken Willan

GARY MELLING equalled professional Tiger Woods’ record of 14 majors with victory in the Oldham and District Centenary Trophy at Crompton and Royton.

The three-handicapper amateur triumphed on his home course after shooting a superb one-under-par 69 in driving wind and rain for a nett 65.

It gave him a two-shot margin of victory over his good friend Paul Williams (Werneth), a former member at the High Barn club.

Melling admitted he thought he had blown his chances as he stood three-over-par after four holes.

But a marvellous three-under-par 32 on the back nine transformed his round as others toiled in the dreadful conditions.

Melling, who birdied six, 13, 17 and 18, said: “After four holes it looked as those it was not going to be my day. But after a bad start, I started to dig in and came good on the back nine and sank three good-length putts in the last six holes after struggling for 12 holes with my putter.

“I have shot 31 on the back nine previously, but never in such bad conditions.”

The 35-year-old from Shaw admitted the adverse weather worked in his favour as he believed it took half of the 152-strong field out of contention for the honours.

He said: “When you are a low handicapper it is difficult to win nett competitions as usually one higher handicapper has a great round.

“The weather was a leveller and was something which helped players like myself.”

Melling added that the victory ruined his fifth wedding anniversary as he had to cancel dinner with wife Lesley to attend the presentation!

He said: “The event is only held once every five years at our club and five years ago I missed it because of my wedding.”

Melling, a teacher at Saddleworth School, has twice won the Oldham and District Championship and also landed 11 club majors.

Competition organisers managed to accommodate all 152 entrants into the popular event.

Result: 1: Gary Melling (Crompton and Royton) 69-4-65; 2: Paul Williams (Werneth) 81-14-67); 3: Peter Boggiano (Crompton and Royton) 76-8-68. Best gross: Paul Rowbotham (Werneth) 72.

CROMPTON and Royton still have starting times available for Sunday’s rearranged Royton Sword, a 36-hole scratch Mitsushiba Northern Order of Merit event. The cost is £25 and entries to professional Dave Melling (0161 624 0986).