11:37am Friday 31st July 2009
By Gary York
CLITHEROE’S Mark Young will look to extend his lead at the top of the Mitsushiba Northern Order of Merit with a solid outing at tomorrow’s Wilpshire Trophy.
The two-time Order of Merit champion – hopeful of becoming the first golfer to clinch the competition three years on the row – is among a strong field of 64 entering Wilpshire’s 36-hole scratch event.
However, Longridge ace Young has never before won the Wilpshire Trophy and victory would help extend his 20-point lead over Tommy Fleetwood of Formby Hall.
Last year’s Wilpshire winner, James Robinson of Southport and Ainsdale, is unable to defend his title because he is on the fringes of Britain’s Walker Cup squad.
Ex-Wilpshire member Ian Perkins, now living in Somerset, will be making his 36th consecutive appearance, closely followed by Andy White of Pleasington.
East Lancashire golfers with chances include in-form Jack Brooks from Pleasington, who recently reduced his home course record to 62, and Michael Hunt, also of Pleasington.
Wilpshire members are hopeful of victory for local favourite Tony Holt, who had an encouraging display in the Lancashire Championships, where he was lying seventh after three rounds.
One of the fastest golfers in the world will also be in competition.
Russell Hayhoe, from Newcastle and Northumberland, features in the Guinness Book of Records.
He and three other members of Ponteland Golf Club completed 18 holes in one hour, four minutes and 25 seconds back in June 2005.
“The course is in magnificent condition,” said Wilpshire captain Roger Yates.
“If the weather holds up, we should see some low scoring and a great competition. Spectators will be made very welcome.”
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/trade_directory/