Ace Mike a Shore thing

Mike Shore — Captain's Cup

GOLF:

STALWART Mike Shore joked about winning the Captain’s Prize at Saddleworth Golf Club just hours before he clinched the coveted silverware.

The 75-year-old, from Mossley, told captain John Knight he would claim top spot and he made good on his promise by carding 160-25-135 over two rounds at the Ladcastle Road course.

For Mike it was one of the highlights of his 38-year connection with the club.

He said: “It was strange because going into the tournament, my form was not particularly good. I had been struggling with my rhythm.

“But I genuinely expected to win the Captain’s Prize and I said as much to John Knight. It was probably half in jest but I had a good feeling about the event.

“It was a fantastic feeling to win it and we all toasted it with a few drinks afterwards.

“The next day eight of us from the club headed to Kinross Golf Club in Scotland for our annual trip, and it is fair to say the celebrations continued up there.

“I have never been affiliated with another club. I joined Saddleworth in 1973 and have loved every minute of it. This is definitely a high point.”

Darren Cudlip (173-30-143) secured the runner-up spot and Jamie Heywood (155-10-145) finished third.

Meanwhile, Dave Pullen emerged victorious in the Club Championship after a sudden-death play-off win over Knight. Both players recorded totals of 151.