Rachel handed England call-up

RACHEL CONNOR: One of three newcomers in the England team.

RACHEL CONNOR has achieved another golfing milestone after being selected to play for the full England women’s team for the first time.

The 18-year-old from Royton, a seasoned girls’ international, is one of three new caps for next week’s Home Internationals at Wrexham.

Connor, who plays at Manchester Hopwood, has been rewarded after enjoying a successful season, one in which she has won two top scratch titles and she also finished top points scorer for England in the European Girls’ Team Championship.

In her most recent adult event, Connor finished 19th in the British Open Amateur Strokeplay Championship at Malone, Northern Ireland, against an international field.

She had rounds of 75, 69, 77 and 76 for a nine-over par 297 which was nine shots behind winner Roseanne Niven, of Scottish club Crieff.




A STERLING effort from Crompton and Royton’s Jordan Flint could not stave off defeat for Lancashire Boys against Cheshire at Knutsford.



Flint triumphed 2 & 1 in his singles match against Mellor and Towncliffe’s Thomas Bacon.

He also joined up with Blackpool North Shore’s Ryan Anderson to halve their foursomes fixture.

But despite Flint picking up 1.5 points from a possible two, Lancashire lost 10-8.




MANCHESTER Hopwood is having a recruitment drive for female players, whether adults or juniors.



Assistant professional Scott Connor is holding a free taster session next Monday for would-be players.

The club will provide equipment free of charge and all that is needed is comfortable clothing and training shoes.

The sessions, which will be held throughout the day, will last for one hour and can be taken either individually or in groups. To book your free session call the club on 0161 655 3668.




LOCAL golfers are being given the chance to enter a new winter matchplay competition.



The International Pairs Winter Matchplay will be held between November and February with four regional knockout rounds.

And the winners will qualify for the 2009 International Pairs, the world’s largest competition of its kind for club golfers.

Like the summer matchplay event, the new tournament has the same format with the cost to enter £30 per pair.

The only difference is that competitors will be free to team up with friends who play at different clubs to form their partnerships.

Closing date for entries is October 26 and to enter golfers can either call 01489 878509 or

e-mail info@internationalpairs.com

The website address is www.internationalpairs.com/uk