The Crosby Plate opener proves gruelling test as Mere ace is only player not to finish over par
FORMAT: 36-hole stroke play
It was business as usual for Jack Brooks as the Northern Order of Merit champion won the opening event in the golfnews24.co.uk-sponsored 2022 series at West Lancashire GC last night.
The England international was one of only three players to break par for 18 holes on a windy and cold day in Crosby but the The Mere golfer showed all his class to finish three clear of runner-up and first-round leader Christopher Parkinson (Penwortham).
Scratch golfers from all over the country travelled to play in the first of 29 Northern Order of Merit events, with new addition Delamere Forest making its bow (Delamere Open) on Sunday, April 17.
The series takes in the likes of Formby, Southport & Ainsdale, Royal Birkdale and Hillside and Brooks, who finished more than 100 points clear of the rest in 2021, was delighted to see a few more putts drop after lunch and close out on level par.
RELATED: The 2023 Northern Order of Merit fixtures
“It is a great venue to start the season off at West Lancs but it was tough out there,” said the plus three handicapper last night. “But I like these conditions and I like links golf and it was good to get the win.
“I played well this morning and hit it well but just got a bit unlucky on the greens and a few putts lipped out. This afternoon I managed to keep swinging well and the putts dropped.”
The Bolton-based player started round two at the tenth and began with back-to-back birdies. Further birdies would follow at his eighth (the 17th) and his 14th (the fifth) on his way to one-under-par 71.
Parkinson could only back up his superb morning effort with a 77, a score matched by third-placed Joseph Murray (Penwortham), who was a shot further back.
To view all the Northern Order of Merit fixtures for 2022, click here