Bel makes history in Centenary year
PRESTBURY, Cheshire and England star Bel Wardle has made more history in her club’s Centenary year by smashing her own ladies course record in a Tuesday Dora Hill medal at her club.
The previous record of 67 was set by Bel three years ago and she equalled this two weeks ago in another club competition.
Then on a sweltering day Bel, playing with Victoria Howarth and Angela Riordan, kept her cool to post a fabulous 11-underpar 63 to beat her own record by four strokes.
She opened up with a birdie on the first hole and added an eagle two on the third hole and birdies on the fourth and sixth holes.
Apart from a bogey on the 14th hole Bel then lit up the back nine with birdies on 11, 12, 13, 15 and 17 to set up her chances of a new course record.
She did not disappoint on the par five 18th hole putting her second shot to within 18 inches of the hole and holed the putt for a fantastic new record which drops her handicap from +5 to +6.
Bel, who is coached by Bramhall professional Richard Green, said: “Due to the lockdown I have not been able to play in competitions around the country or abroad but have enjoyed plenty of playing time at Prestbury with the course being in excellent condition.
“I have been playing well and know that I can birdie all of the holes on the course and it came together in this round and I was delighted to set the new record and now look to set a new one!
“I am looking forward to playing in the English and British Ladies championships in the coming weeks and this has certainly given me great confidence for success in these top competitions.
“Due to Covid-19 I was unable to play in the pre Masters event in Augusta earlier in the year and later this year but hopefully will be able to play there in 2021.”
In the competition Bel was only a shot clear of Helen Bolam with
Michelle Pretty next in on 71.
The Prestbury Mens Open was won by P Bownes and B Mullis from Chesterfield and Shirland GC’s with 46 points from D Young and P Barber (Macclesfield) 45 and M Rolinson and D McPhee (Marple) 44.
The H Wood Trophy at Avro was won at a canter by Derek Jones with his nett 63 taking him well clear of Peter Roles and Peter Walker, both 68 and Bob Collins and Captain Phil Normanton, both 69.
There was a close finish at Alderley Edge in the ‘major’ Centenary Trophy with Mark Walker winning a cpo on 38 points from Daniel Fesmer, one more than Oliver Lane.
A 9-hole Mixed Stableford at Alderley was won by Duncan McPherson after a cpo on 22 points with Barbara Evans.
Edge’s ladies were in medal mode and Olivia Brewster led in with 72 from Sue Kendrick 74 and Jo McGregor 76.
The 9-hole winner was Clare Phythian with 15 points, two more than Helen Edwards and Angela Atkinson.
A singles Stableford at Davenport was a close affair with Nigel Macdonald winning a cpo on 39 points from Stuart Johnston with Anthony Chadwick and Mark Kilpatrick a point off the pace.
A singles Stableford at Mottram Hall was also very tight with a cpo on 39 points going in favour of Karen Butler from Howard Turner and Rob Jones with Trevor Rathbone topping four players on 38.
Macclesfield ladies played for the President’s Prize and it went to a cpo on 75 to see Judy Mutter claim Allan Stevens’ top prize from Kath Brocklehurst. Alycia Sutton had the best gross and Fran Wilbraham kept up her winning sequence in division two. Sue Orwin won the putting prize and junior Daisy Ward had the only birdie of the day.
President’s Day for Macc’s men had Ken Hewat in a league of his own with a scorching 60 taking him well clear of Thomas Silcock 65 and Tom Livesey, David Young and Tom Hollingworth, all 66.
A Thursday Stableford at Shrigley Hall saw Barry Horrocks in control with 40 points ahead of Matthew Oliver 37 and Peter Will 36.
The Friday Frlics at Styal saw Dylan Bennett win a cpo from Zoe Evans on 19 points, two more than Joe Bradshaw, Tom Bate and Cole Brown.
Styal seniors were in Yellow Tee action and Nick Gillings posted 40 points to lead in from Steve Walker 39 and John Weston and Neil Appleby, both 37. The Saturday Stableford at Styal had the divisions topped by Ged Stevens with 38 points and Tyrone Grainger after a cpo on 37 with Pete Harris.
Styal ladies were in medal action with Pat Chadwick on top with 71 from Sue Grange 74 and Celia O’Donohue and Helen Billington, both 76.
The Cheshire Union is currently looking for players to represent the County in Boys’ Team matches.
These matches are played against neighbouring Counties and cover three age levels: Under 14, Under 16 and Under 18.
As well as playing in team matches, we may be able to offer places in the County coaching programme, depending on age and ability.
Boys between 9 and 16 years of age who would like to be considered to play for Cheshire Boys, please get in touch with the County Boys Team manager, Mike Jones at email mikejones9@live. co.uk.
Please send details of your date of birth, club and current handicap.
All applications will be acknowledged.
The annual Joanne Morley Junior Challenge will be staged at Sale Golf Club on Sunday October 18.
Joanne, a former top LPGA Tour player and Solheim Cup Vice Captain has supported the competition for the past 18 years and it also supports the Golf Foundation, a charity which does so much to promote Golf Club junior golf.
The current champion is Ellis Courtnell of Ringway GC and the competition is open to boys and girls in the region aged under 16 years on January 1 2020.
There are many prizes on offer including rounds of golf at top venues and free lessons with top coaches.
For entry forms and more details contact Geoff Garnett on either 0161 881 7550 or 0788 4254350 or email ggggarnett@aol. com.