KEN Hudson proved he is undisputed number one golfer at Grange Park, when he hit a new course record 66 gross to win the Ex-Captain's Clock.

As a result his handicap has now been reduced to 0.4 making him the only amateur in the club to play off scratch. His new status makes Ken eligible for entry in the qualifying rounds of the British Open.

Another major date in Ken's diary will be the Grange Park Rose Bowl on July 30 when he will be up against fellow scratch players from the North West such as Gary Boardman and Karl Wallbank. Both will have a score to settle with Ken as previous joint holders of the course record at Grange Park. They each carded gross 66s in the event but the course has since changed with the extension of the par five sixth hole to 502 yards.

"It was the best round of my life," said Ken. "I was really focused and felt that I could place every iron shot to within a few feet of the flag. It will be dream come true to play in the Open qualifiers. The support I have had from friends and family - especially my wife Andrea - and everyone at Grange Park has been tremendous".

Runner-up to Ken in the ex-Captain's clock was Austin Marsh who carded a gross 74 less 6 for 68 on a card-play off with Dave Larcombe (83-15-68). The leading lady was Barbara Connolly with 96-26-70 on a card play-off from Tracey Cocklin (105-35-70).

Junior Captain Chris Purcell has reduced his handicap from 18 to 10.