Wardrop blitzes Davenport record

Danny Wardrop shaved two strokes off the Davenport course record as he carded a flawless seven-under-par 62 in the Cheshire & North Wales Open. 

The strapping 31-year-old, in his second season as an assistant PGA Professional at Stockport after previously competing on various circuits including the Challenge Tour, attributed his success to a "hot putter" and a recent coaching session with Withington incumbent Steve Marr. 

"He's fine-tuned my swing and it's helped a lot," said Wardrop, who for many years was attached to Didsbury where he learned to play and achieved many regional and international honours as an amateur. 

He finished five shots clear of Royal Liverpool's Michael Jones, who won the Cheshire and North Wales Matchplay Championship at Wilmslow last week, and Matthew Tottey, from North Wales Golf Club. 

Four of his seven birdies were sunk on the outward half, including three in four holes from the fifth. 

"My putter was on fire," added Wardrop whose career highlight was qualifying for the Open Championship at Turnberry in 2009. 

Meanwhile, he is awaiting confirmation that his six-under score in the Manchester Alliance at Reddish Vale last week was also a record.