Adam's first man at High Legh

Adam Hodkinson won the PGA in England & Wales (North) Assistants' Championship of Cheshire at High Legh Park and could even afford a treble bogey at the eighth.

"It was a real disaster hole," recounted the 26-year-old former England boy international and Yorkshire County player who posted a three-under-par 68.

"I hit an eight iron from 165 yards which flew the green never to be seen again. I then used a club less and that effort went over the back as well but at least the ball was in play."

Hodkinson, who has just completed his second year as PGA trainee at Chorlton-cum-Hardy, reeled off half-a-dozen birdies, three on each loop, to finish two shots ahead of the field.

Originally attached to Hallowes, he chalked up a victory on the Alps Tour but then gave up the game for three years after breaking his wrist.

"I worked as a builder for a time but my dad encouraged me to join the PGA and I moved to Chorlton where I was given the opportunity to coach," he explained.

Stockport's Danny Wardrop and Benjamin Thompson, from Hazel Grove, shared second place.

Meanwhile, Owston Hall's James Freeman finished in a five-way share of fourth place to stay top of the Druh Belts & Buckles Order of Merit, 40 points in front of Wardrop with Hodkinson lying third 58 further back.