Chapman holds nerve to bag Chronicle Cup

Matt Chapman with his partner Nicola Hobman — who bought him the membership at Saddleworth Golf Club

GOLF:

MATT Chapman was a cut above his rivals when clinching the men’s Chronicle Cup for the first time at Saddleworth.

And it was some effort from the painter and decorator, from Springhead, despite the annual event being staged on his home course.

Chapman became a member at Saddleworth only last November, thanks to a surprise 40th birthday gift.

“I’m still learning where to go and not to go,” he said, following his two-shot victory over Brookdale’s John Hughes.

“I’ve only played half-a-dozen or so competitions up there, so I’m still getting to used to all those undulations.”

Chapman revealed he almost headed back to the car park after a couple of wayward tee shots on the sixth hole.

He explained: “I nearly walked off the course after driving two balls into the ‘forest’. I didn’t want to play five off the tee because I knew that would ruin my chances - but fortunately I found my first ball and pinched a bogey.”

Formerly a member at Blackley and Brookdale, Chapman took up golf 10 years ago, but this wasn’t his first time in the mix for Chronicle Cup honours.

He said: “I was the clubhouse leader at Crompton and Royton a couple of years ago, but finished about fourth in the end. I’m delighted to have won - hopefully I can have a go at doing it again next year.”