It is very pleasing to say that the Level Play Golf Millennium tournament remains popular, with an excellent standard of play from our North West based players. 12 players (from 9 clubs) travelled north to Crake Valley where good, smooth lawns and friendly hospitality were waiting.
The play throughout the day was outstanding, with some rising stars showing they can cope with pre-tournament favourites. As a result, both Sarah Clements (Chester) and Dave Venables (Southport) achieved handicap reductions to 4.
There were two blocks of 6 with Block B going to form with Nigel Matthews (Bowdon) and Roger Brooks (Westmorland) going through without issue. Block A was a different story, with Dave Venables beating holder David Cornes (Crake Valley) 7-6 in the first round of games. Dave continued in the same manner and went through in 2nd place on hoop difference to the semi-finals. He joined pre-tournament favourite, Angharrad Walters (Bowdon), who won every game but had a huge fright in the first round overcoming Ursula Walker (Fylde) 7-6. A tremendous effort throughout the day from Ursula, playing in her first level play tournament with handicap of 12. Her game will improve no end from the experience.
Moving to the semi-finals and Roger Brooks was in unstoppable form overcoming Angharrad, with Nigel proving too strong for Dave.
In the final Roger held the lead for most of the match, but Nigel never gave up and fought back to win in a tense finale 10-9.
Congratulations to Nigel who adds the Level Play Golf crown to the Advanced AC Millennium trophy he won at Pendle the previous weekend.