It’s Oldham’s Chronicle!

WORTHY WINNER . . . Steve Oldham shows off the Chronicle Cup after his superb display.

Steve lifts our trophy after six-hour wait

GOLF: STEVE Oldham carried off the Chronicle Cup for the first time and immediately dedicated the victory to his dad, Harold.

The 42-year-old joiner clinched the coveted prize on his home course of Crompton and Royton after he carded an impressive 72-9-63.

Steve, who beat off a maximum field of 150 starters, was on the telephone to his dad straight after completing his round at lunchtime.

Harold worked in the contract print department of Hirst, Kidd and Rennie, the owners of the Oldham Evening Chronicle, all his life before retiring several years ago.

Steve told his dad he thought he was in with a shout, but then faced an agonising six-hour wait to see if his score was good enough.

“It’s a brilliant feeling to lift the Chronicle Cup,” said Steve. “I’ve been trying for long enough.

“I lost in a play-off for the Centenary Trophy last year, so it’s nice to win something.

“Although I’ve been striking the ball well, I’ve struggled with my putting of late, but it all came together here.

“I started the season on a seven handicap. I was up to nine for this, but I’ll be back down to seven in future.”

Steve had six birdies in his round to finish two shots clear of Crompton and Royton junior captain Jordan Abbott (74-9-65).

He had a slice of luck on the par three, 16th hole, after which he thought it might be his day.

Steve, who has been a member of Crompton and Royton for 20 years, explained: “The ball was lying at the side of the green and I could only see the top of the flag.

“I thinned my chip and fortunately it hit the flag and went in for a two, when it could have so easily been a four.

“I also had a piece of good fortune on the 11th, where I was on top of the mound, but somehow managed to strike a seven iron through the trees and make par.”

Lee Rowbotham had the best gross score on the day, a 69, which featured six birdies and five bogeys.

Results —

1, Steve Oldham (Crompton and Royton) 72-9-63; 2, Jordan Abbott (Crompton and Royton) 74-9-65.

Best gross: Lee Rowbotham (Werneth) 69

First division: Andy Frizzell (Crompton and Royton) 71-6-65; 2, Lee Newsome (Oldham) 71-4-67 CPO.

Second division: Michael Healey (Crompton and Royton) 86-19-67; 2, Steve Bower (Crompton and Royton) 83-15-68.