Chronicle Cup glory on menu for ace Steven

DRESSED FOR SUCCESS: Steven Smith (centre) receives the trophy from Evening Chronicle editor David Whaley (left) and Oldham captain Barry Lewis.

GOLF: CHRONICLE Cup winner Steven Smith had to make a dash from a dinner date to claim his top prize.

The 67-year-old was celebrating a special night for his nephew at Shaw Masonic Hall when he got the call he had won the district’s most acclaimed trophy for handicap golfers.

“I was surprised and delighted to get the call and a couple of my friends came with me to celebrate my win — in full dinner suit!” said Steven.

He claimed his success with a 79-17-62 score on his home course of Oldham where he has been a member for 27 years.

Retired after working as a credit manager with Norweb, Steven, of Underwood Way, Shaw, said he had not won a major singles competition before and revealed he thought he had blown his chance.

“I made double-bogey sixes at the 17th and 18th holes and thought that might have damaged my chances,” he said.

After collecting the cup, he dashed back to Shaw to finish his meal. — and fill the trophy with champagne!