DEAN JAGGER held his nerve after a faltering start to his second round to triumph in Vice Captain’s Prize at Saddleworth Golf Club.
The 56-year-old from Greenfield, who was the first-round leader, admitted he thought he had blown his chances when he had a nine at the opening hole.
He explained: “I dropped four shots and another at the second and all five shots of my handicap had gone on the opening two holes.
“I thought my chances had gone so relaxed, but pressure started to build towards the end when I knew I was on for a good score.”
Dean regained his composure to post a score of 76-5-71 which, together with 74-6-68 from the opening round, gave him a two-round total of 139.
It was a mighty close call, though, as runners-up Tad Knebel and Richard Cotton, who was third, also returned nett 139.
“I lost a card play-off for victory in the 2002 Vice-Captain’s Prize so things have evened themselves out, though it was unfortunate for Tad and Richard,” he explained.
It has been a case of waiting for a bus and then a string come along together for Dean who took 24 years before landing his first major at Saddleworth and then three came along is as many years.
Dean has also been victorious in the President’s Prize and Wharmton Trophy. His most recent success comes in a rich vein of form which has seen him win three club competitions in as many weeks.
A director of local firms A1 Welding and Sawtech North West Ltd, Dean began playing golf aged 13 and has been off a single handicap for the last 40 years. He started out at Oldham Golf Club before moving closer to home at Saddleworth 27 years ago.
Meanwhile, not many relish rain, but Sue Booth had it to thank for as she won her first golfing major at Saddleworth.
Sue’s victory in Lady Captain’s Prize was totally unexpected as she had been resigned to missing out due to attending a wedding.
When the second round of the major was washed out due to flooded greens, Diggle-based Sue was given a reprieve.
“I received a text at the wedding saying the second round had been cancelled because of rain so I said put me down for the following Thursday when it was being replayed,” she explained.
Sue was handily placed as she had been joint second following the opening round and she put together another solid round in the rearranged second which was played in glorious sunshine..
“I didn’t feel I would win, but played consistently over the two rounds which was very pleasing,” she recalled.
Sue also praised the encouragement offered by playing partners Pauline Richardson and Linda Kenworthy during the second round.
Sue had nett rounds of 75 and 71 for 146 which was eight shots clear of runner-up Eileen Simpson whose 154 comprised rounds of 88 and 66.
What made Sue’s triumph remarkable is that she has only been playing golf three years having been a keen tennis player for three decades at Tame Valley along with husband John and daughter Emma.
Sue continued: “I always had an inkling to play golf and three of us at Tame Valley (she was joined by Linda Kenworthy and Denise Brown) block booked six lessons at the Trafford Centre.
“We all became hooked and joined Saddleworth at the same time. I am out on the course two or three times a week and no longer play tennis.”
Sue, who plays off 25, runs an engineering company in Royton with her husband and daughter.
The day prizes in Lady Captain’s Day went to Jenny Knight (101-27-74) for the opening round and Lady Vice-Captain Pam Tomlinson (97-19-78) for the second.
You must be logged in to post a comment.