Cup-winner Eileen plays fame game

CUP OF JOY for Saddleworth’s Eileen Simpson, who won the Chronicle trophy on her home course.

GOLF: 

EILEEN Simpson has become something of a local celebrity since her stunning three-shot triumph in the women’s Chronicle Cup.

The 68 year old from Greenfield stormed to victory on her home course, shooting a superb eight-under-par nett 63 to clinch the prize for the first time.

She denied long-time clubhouse leader, Oldham’s Jane Antrobus, who registered 82-16-66.

Eileen, who played off a handicap of 21, said: “I went to the Whit Friday band contest in the village and people were congratulating me because they had seen my picture in the paper.

“Everyone has been very nice — they have been delighted for me — but it has come as a total surprise because I’ve been playing only average lately.

“My game is very up and down, I haven’t been consistent at all, so where that round came from I don't know.”

‘That round’ on the Mountain Ash course included eight pars. It was a long day for Eileen. As Saddleworth’s representative on the Oldham Ladies’ Golf Association, she was on the organising committee for the Chronicle Cup.

“I was at the course at 7.30am but didn’t tee-off until 12.10pm, so golf was probably the last thing on my mind,” she added.

“My playing partners from Crompton and Royton were very good. They kept me nice and steady over the last few holes. All I was trying to do was get over any water and avoid the bunkers.

“I was amazed to shoot a gross 84 — that has been my nett score more often than not lately, but on this day everything went my way.”

Eileen made it a double on the day by helping Saddleworth to claim the Plate competition prize.

Awarded to the club with the best four scores, her card alongside that of Denise Brown (74), Jean Dervan (74) and Debra Cockburn (74) for a 285 total, comfortably bettered Oldham’s 294.

Eileen’s impressive win in a field of 71 hopefuls has come at a cost, though, as her handicap has been cut to 18!



MARGARET Bailey and Carina Teirney of Crompton and Royton won the Scott Leggatt Foursomes South-East Lancashire Divisional final held at Great Lever and Farnworth Golf Club.

Runners-up were Oldham lady-captain Chris Peirson and Julia Wild.

Both pairs qualify for the Lancashire finals at Saddleworth on July 13.



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