Brilliant ‘Brummie’ retains Examiner title
MELTHAM’S brilliant ‘Brummie’ Rob Dunleavy defied a six-point final round deficit to retain the Lockwood Trophy on this year’s Huddersfield Examiner Overseas Golf Challenge in Turkey.
Last year, the two-handicapper from the Thick Hollins club had led the field going into the last day, and held his nerve to pip his clubmate, Chris Hutchings, by one point to lift the trophy on his debut in the popular tournament.
Fast forward 12 months and the 30-year-old found himself half a dozen points behind frontrunner Micky Illingworth from Crosland Heath, who had been in imperious form over the first two rounds of the 54-hole Stableford event.
Those had been staged at the stunning Montgomery Maxx Royal course and the Antalaya club’s picturesque Pasha course.
The final 18 holes were staged over the Old course at the National club, the first-ever course in Belek, and at the mid-point of the round, Dunleavy had only managed to pull two points back on his Heath rival, playing off 14 – leaving him still four adrift with just nine to play. Dunleavy made immediate inroads clawing three points at 10 and 11, only to watch Illingworth pick up a nett par and nett birdie on 12 and 13 to once again open up a three-point advantage.
With points shared at 14 and 15, the Meltham man made his decisive strike at the par three 150-yard 16th when his tee-shot found the green and he slotted home the putt for a two and three much-needed points.
Illingworth, meanwhile, had to settle for a solitary point, and after sharing the spoils down 17, still held a onepoint lead going down the last.
The last hole at the National is guarded by a huge lake, which Dunleavy negotiated successfully to card a par four, while Illingworth’s approach found a watery grave – as did his hopes of lifting the trophy.
It was a sad end to Illingworth’s chances as he had produced some fabulous golf of his own at the difficult Maxx Royal (former home of the Turkish Open) where he shared top spot with Woodhall Hills’ John Morse with 34 points.
Holiday organiser Paul Hanson, also from Woodhall, finished third on opening day, only to fall away later as Illingworth looked to have blown away the opposition at Pasha, when he returned a magnificent score of 41 points.
Morse clung on well to his more youthful rivals, however, with 35 at Pasha and a last day’s tally of 29 to give him third place overall.
“That was probably the best round of golf I have ever played in my life,” admitted a delighted Dunleavy afterwards. I knew I had to be at my very best to have even half a chance as I was giving away both six points start and 12 points on handicap to Mickey. And I honestly can’t remember ever playing better than that.
“It’s great to defend my title, but it’s just great to be here, because it’s a fantastic trip and I just love the people on it.”
With his first baby at home, Dunleavy is now hoping his partner will grant him leave of absence again next year as he bids for a three-peat.
“She did say the only way I’d have a chance of coming back was if I won it again,” admitted the champion.
Another golfer with a massive smile on her face at the end of the final round was Carole Barrott, who took home the Leading Lady prize.
The very likeable Bingley St Ives golfer, played superbly all week, finishing with a brilliant last day’s tally of 30 points which saw her beat all her rivals, and a terrific fifth place finish overall.
“I can’t quite believe it,” said the 28-handicapper, who put together a consistent series with 26, 33 and 30.
“I’m just over the moon and so very pleased.” ■■The Outlane Golf Club annual sport quiz is on Wednesday, November 28, at 7.30pm. It is £20 for a team of four which includes prizes and a pie and pea supper. There will also be a unique Stableford competition after the main quiz, with the team earning the most points getting their entry fee back. To enter a team, ring 01484 655 097 or email r.hazelden@btinternet.com.