Brice heeds his mentor’s advice

ROSY FUTURE: Joe Brice with the Penwortham Bowl.

GOLF:

“GOOD luck, Joe — it’s time to step up.” said Brookdale professional Tony Cuppello to teenage protege Joe Brice before the prestigious Penwortham Rose Bowl.

And the Medlock Road club star did just that — he became the second first-time winner of a Cleveland Srixon Northern Order of Merit event this season.

Brice, from Woodhouses, used Tony’s encouragement to spur him to success.

“I spotted Tony’s name on the bowl and used it as my inspiration,” said the 19 year old.

“That and the talk with Tony changed everything. The win didn’t really sink in straight away, because I’d worked hard to get it.

“There was also a sense of relief, as one win usually leads to a few more.

“Mark Young was leading at halfway and didn’t come in until later. When he did, with a one-over par round, everybody started to shake my hand.”

A member of Brookdale since he was 12, Brice recorded a level par 69 in round one before grabbing five birdies in round two for a three under par total.

Denton’s Gareth Bradley finished second on 67 and 69. Mark Young — winner for the past two years — settled for third with 66 and 71.

Scratch player Brice benefited from warm-weather practice in South Africa over the winter months.

Cuppello, who lifted the Rose Bowl in 1982, has been a strong driving force behind Brice’s burgeoning career.

“Joe is very talented; he has come back from South Africa a much better player,” said Cuppello. “I’d like to think he could go all the way.”

Joe’s next big event is the Lancashire Amateur Championship at the end of June.