Tee-off switch proves costly for Jack
Date published: 03 August 2011
GOLF: KRIS Sutcliffe’s victory in Crompton and Royton’s Club Championship has been overshadowed by the dramatic disqualification of teenager Jack Bottomley-Clift.
The 39-year-old Sutcliffe was adjudged the winner of the prestigious scratch event, a club major, after shooting rounds of 73 and 74 for a 36-hole total of 147.
But Bottomley-Clift’s 69 and 72 for 141 was six shots superior and it was a reluctant Sutcliffe who accepted the plaudits.
The disqualification ruling was made after 16-year-old Bottomley-Clift had switched first-round tee times from 8.20am to 7.30am following a request from another club member.
A player in the earlier group had withdrawn and a member of that original three-ball had contacted the youngster to suggest he tee off with the remaining two players.
After shooting a first-round 69 which put him in the lead, Bottomley-Clift returned from the course.
A source close to the golfer claimed he was informed he had broken the rules but was told by club officials not to worry about it and go and play his second round.
This was disputed by club captain Gordon Lamb, who said: “I am not aware that he was told anything.”
Then, after shooting a second-round 72 to “win” the competition, Bottomley-Clift was disqualified.
Said by the source to be “devastated” by the incident, he had nevertheless broken the rules of golf and Crompton and Royton insisted they had no alternative but to disqualify him.
This was confirmed by Mr Lamb, who said he and another official informed the player soon after he had returned to the club house.
Mr Lamb added: “None of us wanted this and none of us liked doing it, but he was in breach of rule 6.3 in the rules of golf.”
The Evening Chronicle understands Jack has since tendered his resignation as junior captain, while his father, Andy, has done likewise as organiser of the juniors’ section.
But Mr Lamb could not confirm letters of resignation had been received.
“I can’t say that. We have not had a council meeting,” he added.
