Lady’s first

DRIVING AMBITION: Karen Heywood is settling into her new role at Brookdale.

KAREN Heywood has created a slice of local golf history after being appointed as the professional at Brookdale.

Karen has become the first female professional at a Lancashire golf club.

The 37 year old succeeds Tony Cuppello, who left last year to join his former assistant Grant Hamerton at Pike Fold golf club in Bury.

Karen had previously been assistant to Crompton and Royton professional Martin Beaty for four years. “The only other women professionals I know of in this country are at Huddersfield and Herefordshire,” she said.

“I saw the Brookdale post advertised; I just wanted to test out my CV. Then I got an interview, then the last five, then was appointed!”

Karen will continue to coach the Lancashire girls squad but her main focus will be on building her client list at Brookdale.

“I am looking forward to building up my clients - but I hope to play a little bit more, too.”

Karen has already been in action as Brookdale professional, playing in Sunday’s Dunham Forest Trophy tie against Stand - the first time a female professional had played in the competition. Karen halved her match as Brookdale won 4.5-2.5.



CAPTAIN Steve Costigan was a member of the team which won a four-ball medal at Crompton and Royton.

Costigan teamed up with Ian Smith, Barry McLoughlin and Lee Booth to return a winning score of 135.

Just one shot behind on 136 were Paul Finigan, Steve Taylor, Ryan Taylor and David Norbury, while third-placed Jason Webster, Alistair Cameron, Mike Shaw and Kris Sutcliffe returned 138.