Hulme and Abbott crack code to reach finals

MATHS teacher Simon Hulme and clubmate Dave Abbott have solved the equation of how to get to the Daily Mail Foursomes finals at their first attempt. The pair from Pleasington have won three of their knockout ties away from home and wrapped up their latest victory on the famous Southport & Ainsdale links course, beating Anthony Moy and Christopher McKeating one up. The visitors had a sensational start, going four up after six with a birdie at the fourth, but were taken all the way to the final green. Hulme and Abbott were relieved to hold on to clinch a place in the october showdown at Slaley Hall after halving the last with a par. ‘It was a tough match. when you are four up early and you start losing a hole or two it makes it quite tense,’ said Hulme. ‘winning on a course of Southport & Ainsdale’s standard is always good.’ The duo have known each other for more than 40 years and won the Lancashire handicap foursomes last year. Hulme stresses the foursomes format will not damage their friendship, saying: ‘It’s not going to be broken by it. we’ve come close and had a few cross words, but we’re still friends and we have a drink afterwards.’

They are thrilled to be among the last 16 men’s and women’s pairs still in with a chance to be crowned champions in the world’s biggest amateur golf competition. Hulme added: ‘we’re absolutely looking forward to it, but you never know with foursomes. It’s a very peculiar game. we never imagined we would get this far.’ www.slaleyhallhotel.com/golf