It was business as usual for Hurlston Hall duo Philip Yin and Stephen Dix as they won the first Lancashire Union pairs qualifying event – The Bell Trophy.
Philip, who plays off 12, and Stephen, who is a 15 handicapper, are the reigning champions having won by three points at last year’s Grand Final at West Lancashire.
This week at Hindley Hall they led a fierce qualifying battle with four points separating the top ten and only three of 60 pairs making it through. Hart Common’s Doug Earl and Chris Mugan were one point back in second on 43 points, the same score as the third-placed duo – Regent Park’s Paul Donelan and Rob Jackson.
For the Hurlston Hall members the putting of Stephen made a big difference, not least at the last where he holed from off the green for a three-point par. But once again they complimented each other perfectly. There appearance in last year’s competition was their first time playing together.
Philip said: “Stephen putted really well but we did dovetail well also. When we were walking down 18 we thought a par should be enough to qualify but didn’t think it would be enough to win it.”
A four-point birdie at the short sixth from Stephen was the highlight of the front nine whereas they managed to claim five pars on the back nine to finish with 44 points.
The stableford event is open to any county members and the second and final qualifier takes place at Hurlston Hall on June 23rd.
The Grand Final takes place at Fairhaven on September 15th where the six pairs will do battle alongside the nine qualifiers for the Collinge Trophy, which is the individual event for county members.