Maureen rewrites the record books with Crail victory

West Lothian Golf Club captain Maureen Shanks made history when she won through to the Golfplan Insurance PGA Pro-Captain Challenge final.

Shanks (pictured above) became the first ever lady captain to reach the prestige event.

She and PGA Professional Alan Reid (below) won the qualifying event at Crail Golf Club.

They sneaked home by one shot but that was enough to give Shanks the unique honour.

Reid and Shanks carded an eight-under-par round of 64 to pip Drumpellier’s Ian Taylor and Alex Brownlie.

The duo will now represent the Linlithgow club in the £25,000 final supported by Canopius, over the PGA Sultan course at Antalya Golf Club, Turkey, from November 21-22.

Maureen admitted the ‘first’ came as a surprise to her.

She said: “I had no idea that was the case so I’m really pleased. I’m glad I’ve got there with Alan as well.

“We tried last year as I was club captain then too, but we didn’t quite make it.

“This time, we thought there was a chance something might happen if we could score at least 64 and that’s how it turned out.”

Reid, who is also through to his first PGA final was full of praise for his captain, who plays off a handicap of nine.

He said: “Maureen had an excellent round, she was responsible for five birdies in all and more than played her part.

“Of course it’s first the first time there’ll be a lady captain in the final so that’s a great achievement for the club.”