Special Kay makes an instant impact

IT’S MINE . . . Matthew Kay receives the District Championship trophy from Brookdale captain Phil Forshaw.

GOLF: RISING star Matthew Kay has a professional career as his ultimate aim after winning the Oldham and District Championship at his first attempt.

The 18 year old from Failsworth took advantage of playing on his home course of Brookdale to hold off Crompton and Royton’s Gary Melling by three shots.

He produced rounds of 67 and 68 for a one-under-par total of 135 in the 36-hole scratch medal.

Kay was also in the four-man Brookdale team which won the Brierley Cup.

The former county long-distance runner and Manchester City academy goalkeeper turned to golf after injuries meant spending a long time on crutches.

Kay has just completed two years at Myerscough College in Preston, where he worked hard on his golfing game, and in May won the Lancashire Boys’ Championship at Leyland.

Kay plays regularly with Manchester and Brookdale club-mate Joe Brice, who is one of the leading lights in the Northern Order of Merit.

“Joe has taught me everything I know and I play with him a lot,” said Kay. “He was in a tournament of his own on Saturday, but he rang me up to find out how I had gone on.

Further down the line, Matthew wants to continue his golfing education in America before returning to turn professional.