Darland duo rise to the challenge

The inaugural Campey Pro-Greenkeeper Challenge, postponed earlier in the 
season because of torrential rain, finally got under way at Westhoughton 
club Hart Common. 

Winners were Mark Sheppard (left) and Simon Ashford (right) from Wrexham club Darland who carved out a seven-under-par 65 to finish a shot ahead of a strong field of 32 two-man teams. 

Nine handicapped Ashford made an early contribution with a nett one at the second hole as the ever-consistent Sheppard ensured mistakes were kept to a minimum. 

Runners-up were Bolton Old Links duo Colin Maroney, James Whitworth and Mossock Hall's David Shacklady, who next week defends the PGA Yorkshire Masters title at Sandburn Hall, and Towneley greenkeeper Damian Hartley, who finished third with a 67 after a three-way countback. 

They edged out host club pro Steve Parry and owner Peter Roberts and Adrian Ambler and Jonathan Brown, from Yorkshire club Low Laithes.