Manchester Open returns to the good old days

Robert Booth's life changed when he quit playing full-time to take over as professional at Huddersfield club Outlane from retiring incumbent David Chapman.

He admitted: "I enjoy the day job. Teaching gives me a lot of satisfaction. I've been working full time so I've not had much practice."

But for all that Booth still contrived to share the top of the leader board in the first round of the Manchester Open which returned to the PGA North schedule after a three-year absence and played at the host club.

His four-under-par 68 was matched by 21-year-old rookie Ioan Jones who signed off from an amateur career when he won the Welsh Order of Merit.

And no doubt his dad Alan, the professional at Abersoch, would have been as proud as punch!

Jones said: "I won a pro-am early on and I've been playing well ever since. I had two eagles today on par five holes and chipped in for both of them but I also missed a couple of birdies. Hopefully, I will keep my run of form going tomorrow."

"Regional manager Jonathan Paine said: "Restoring the Manchester Open has been well received by our professionals. We are hoping to build on
its success next season."

Leading scores:

• 68 R Booth (Outlane), Jones (Abersoch)
• 70 D Brunton (Ringway), J Wilkinson (Penrith Foot Golf)
• 71 D Smith (Swinton Park), G Cox (Lymm), T Dykes (Penrith), S Lucas (Garstang), J Murray (Scarcroft)