Fog Lifts for McLean & Hansom Victory

Having had to postpone recent Alliance fixtures due to snow, and earlier in the season rain, it was fog which temporarily threatened proceedings at Crosland Heath Golf Club earlier today!

The fog rolled in at around 7.30am but cleared in time allowing the opening group to tee-off on time. However, by 8.30am the situation had deteriorated so much that the second green, a par three of just 130 yards, was not visible from the tee. The Alliance Executive took the decision to suspend play for 20 minutes because of the dangers involved in not being able to see where balls were landing.

Fortunately the fog cleared and a very good late-morning and afternoon was enjoyed by many. None more so than the partnership of Graham McLean and Damon Hansom who stormed to victory in the Am-Am section with a superb 47 points. The category one golfers, McLean a one-handicapper and Hansom playing off five, fired 7 gross birdies and an eagle for an almost faultless round of golf.

Had it not been for a three-putt on the 16th for a bogey and another dropped shot at the last it would have been one of the best ever recorded scores in an Alliance fixture. The winning duo are pictured below.

Barry Askham and his partner Derek Jackson flew the flag for the host club with their excellent 44 points to finish in second place. Both long term members at the Heath they used all their home course knowledge to their advantage whilst Adam Crum and Jimmy Main from Dewsbury grabbed third spot with 41 points.

The Pro-Am section saw a successful return to the Alliance for Dave Rishworth, from West End Golf Club, whom with his partner Liam Brompton scored an excellent 43 points to take the top honours. In his acceptance speech Rishworth said it was nice to be back playing in the Alliance and thanked everyone involved. He commented on the excellent support from the professionals - the event had a record 15 playing! Rishworth also expressed gratitude to the Executive for a well organised day and to the Vice Captain of Crosland Heath for the condition of the course and the hospitality on the day.

Joint second in the Professional ranks were Chris Hanson and Dave Astin both with 41 points.

Alliance organiser James Washington was pleased with the day where a magnificent 64 pairs competed. And following the fog scare advised, "The Alliance Executive plan 10 minute intervals now between each tee off time which means any delays can be absorbed without threatening the later starters with a lack of daylight. To the credit of the players today play was kept going well and the last group actually teed off on time."

Full results can be seen here.

The updated Professional's Order of Merit will be updated shortly.