Double major delight for Dean at Saddleworth Golf Club

SADDLEWORTH Golf Club captain Dean Jagger likened it to waiting for a bus after winning two major competitions in the space of three weeks.

Dean, above left, received the President’s Prize from president David Pullen

The 59-year-old welding engineer from Greenfield followed his victory in the Oldham and District Centenary Trophy with a win in President’s Prize.

Dean, who had never previously captured a singles’ district title, said: “I had never won two majors in one year before, and it has been like waiting for a bus.

“I have hit form nicely and simply been playing consistent golf.”

Dean has also bucked a trend as his golf has improved during his year as captain – usually attending many functions is a distraction.

He explained: “At the start of my year I told president Dave Pullen I wanted to reduce my handicap from six to four which I have achieved.

“He told me ‘no chance’ as during his year as captain his handicap rose from four to seven.”

Dean shot a round of 71-6-65 to win the centenary trophy by a three-stroke margin over runner-up, Oldham’s Stephen Daubney who had 74-6-68.

Losing out for second on the card was Saddleworth’s Martin Heap with 78-10-68.

It was a level par gross 71 which, after his handicap was taken into account, included four birdies and one bogey.

Dean said: “I had been playing absolutely awful so decided to do what I had been doing in 40 years playing golf.

“I stood on the first tee, relaxed and swung the club easily.

“I hit the ball straight and putted well, a nice combination and it was an advantage to play on my own course.”

Dean is handed the centenary trophy from Mayor Of Oldham, Cllr Shadab Qumer

Dean continued his great form with victory in the President’s Prize after scoring two rounds of nett 68 off his handicap of five – each round was two-over par gross 73 saying he played consistently over the two rounds.

His two-round total of 136 was one shot clear of runner-up Paul Clough whose 137 comprised nett rounds of 70 and 67 while third was Darren Cudlip (70 and 70 for 140). Paul is in his first year of being a member at a golf club.

The first-day prize went to Andy Li with 66 and second round honours to Marcus Wray with 67.

“I asked Dave Pullen to be my president so to win his competition and have my name on the board next to him was special,” he said.

Dean won three majors at Oldham before joining Saddleworth where in his 30 years as a member he has captured the President’s Prize, Vice Captain’s Prize and Wharmton individual knockout before his latest success in the President’s Prize.