Staffordshire’s Sue Spencer made a winning debut in the England Golf senior men’s and women’s Midlands tournament at Beau Desert taking the women’s handicap prize.
Staffordshire’s Sue Spencer made a winning debut in the England Golf senior men’s and women’s Midlands tournament at Beau Desert – taking the women’s handicap prize with 67 points over 36 holes.
The former county champion from Whittington Heath, who is enjoying a new senior career – pipped Sue Batchelor (Woburn) on countback, while two other players were just a point behind in a tight finish: Judy Butler (Malton & Norton) and Sue Pidgeon (Wrekin).
Butler won the women’s scratch prize, with 56 points, while the men’s scratch honours were taken by John Cox (Rye Hill) on 57. The men’s handicap event was won by Graham Marshall (Peterborough Milton), who finished on 69 – four points clear of his closest challengers.
Spencer commented: “The course was superb, it’s in really good condition, but the greens were tricky. It was quite tough, but very enjoyable. I was a member there about 25 years ago and it’s always a pleasure to go back and play there.”
She’s making the most of her new senior career, having played in the English senior amateur and stroke play championships. “I’m looking forward to playing for the Midlands in the Jamboree and to playing for Staffordshire vets,” she said.
Graham Marshall was playing in his second senior regional event and remarked: “I had a few nervous moments on the back nine of the second round. I had good partners who kept me going and kept me concentrating.”
He too had much praise for the course – and respect for the greens. “You couldn’t force the putts, you had to let them die into the hole. If you were tempted to have a go you would be 12ft past.
“The course was superb, as was the organisation. These are really nice, friendly events to play in,” added the 15-handicapper, who has entered the other two tournaments at Harrogate in Yorkshire and Saunton, Devon.
Marshall is also enjoying his senior career. “I retired last year and now I’m almost a full-time amateur golfer, I probably play five times a week. It was something I always dreamed of being able to do.”
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