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Steve, 73, shoots first hole-in-one

Ian Ogden
11/ 8/2007

IT HAS been a long time coming, but Steve Noblett has finally achieved the dream of every golfer - a hole in one.

The 25-year wait for the 73-year-old came during a Texas scramble at Whittaker, but it wasn't enough to give his team victory.

They had to play second fiddle to the quartet of Paul Fox, Colin Deacon, Paul Holden and Jim Peacock who chalked up 10 birdies and eight pars for a narrow victory.

Another hole in one came at Rochdale where Judith Hill's sweetly-hit seven wood did the trick at the 120-yard 12th.

No such heroics from Stephen Armstead, but the eight handicapper's 65 was good enough to win Manchester's Harry Large Trophy. He finished two ahead of Eddie Oakley, with David Bodgers taking third spot.

Seeking to bridge a 22-year gap at Rochdale is Sam Lythgoe.

Winner of the 1985 captain's final, he showed he is in good nick for this year's event by shooting a 63 in Saturday's sixth and final qualifier.

Pike Fold's much sought-after President's Prize ended with Lewis Pickford and Mark Forster both finishing two up in the bogey competition. Pickford won in a play-off.

Two shots separated the first three in the captain's qualifier at Tunshill.

Steve Leonard's 67 gave him first place, just ahead of Phil Lowthain and Johnny Powell.