Houfe defies horror hole

GOLF:

CHRIS Houfe overcame a quadruple bogey to land his first major at Stamford after six years of trying.

The five-handicapper was going along nicely in the Lowe Trophy when he took a nasty eight on the notorious par four eighth. “I was four-under until that point,” said Houfe.

He regained his composure to record a one-shot victory in the club’s first major of the new season thanks to score of 71-5-66.

Paul Brown (79-12-67) was the runner-up on a card play-off, from Steve J Fallows (85-18-67) in third place.



BROOKDALE assistant Grant Hamerton was joint third in the latest PGA of Lancashire Players’ Tour fixture.

Competing at Pike Fold, where he is also pro, Hamerton made a one-under-par 70 on the moorlands course to tie with Barry Taylor (Houghwood) and David Wilcock (Dean Wood). Victory went to Jeff Mathews, who returned a four-under-par 67.

The Oak Royal Golf and Country Club professional reeled off five birdies as he mastered the slick greens to prevail by two from serial winner David Shacklady, from Mossock Hall.



Ted Rae won the Chronicle Cup qualifier at OLDHAM — but it was a close-run thing.

He made a net 62 to edge out Ken Lunn (63) and Paul Donlan (64).




Kate Oliver blew away her rivals to bag a Stableford competition at BROOKDALE.



Battling against a strong wind, she picked up 36 points over the 18 holes, to leave runner-up Val Brogan (26pts) trailing in her wake.

Meanwhile in the first round of the Bell Cup, Brookdale secured a fine 4 & 3 victory against Lymm.

Oliver and Brogan were in the team, which also featured Kath Storey (women’s captain) Vicky Akin, Angie Hunter, Jean Clarke and Maureen Parker.

At SADDLEWORTH, Kaye Orme won the Spring Meeting, a Stableford event, with 37 points, from Fiona Hesten (36pts).