Fylde coast golf round-up: Crowds flock for Hall's heroics at British Open; big weekend at Blackpool Park

Hall became is the first Englishwoman to win the title since Karen Stupples in 2004 and the first British winner since Catriona Matthew, also at the world famous Fylde coast links in 2009.

The 22-year-old Hall’s accuracy over the testing course was key to her success.

With 167 bunkers at RL&SA, Hall ended up in just one fairway bunker and seven greenside bunkers over the course of her 72 holes.

And her perfect seven-of-seven sand-saves record, including going two for two on Sunday, was instrumental in keeping Hall from dropping any shots when missing the green.

“I’m so proud of the way we made tough decisions off the tee and managed to commit to the right shots,” she said.

Places remain available for two tournaments at Blackpool Park Golf Club this weekend, including the prestigious Silver Niblick.

The course stages its William Gladwin Memorial Trophy on Saturday an 18-hole medal with a handicap limit of 1-20 (entry £20).

Sunday’s Silver Niblick is a 36-hole medal with a handicap limit of nine (£25).

To reserve places (and only a few remain) contact club secretary Laura Grenall on (01253) 397916.

The Captain’s Prize winner at Blackpool Park was Daniel O’Connell with a score of 140-8=132. Runner-up was Bill Phelps (149-14=135), with Alan Stone third (148-12=136).

Winner O’Connell is pictured with captain Steve Gillings.

The Fylde Senior League recently staged two major competitions.

The Len Hall tournament was held at Lytham Green Drive. This is an individual competition, in which three players from each of the league’s 10 clubs participate in a stableford.

The winner was Dennis McCulloch from Herons Reach with 37 points (acpo), with clubmate John Bostock second. The team trophy was also won by Herons Reach.

St Annes Old Links, represented by the Kilgour brothers, won the Bernard Butler Knockout Trophy for the second time, defeating Blackpool North Shore in the final.

As the league season approaches its final quarter, Lytham Green Drive hold the lead. Other clubs still in contention include Ashton& Lea, Herons Reach, Blackpool Park and Lancaster. The final matches will be played by the beginning of next month

The overall winner of the men’s Riley Cup at Fairhaven was Paul Cookson. Results were as follows.

Division one: 1. Stuart Brown 69, 2. Nathan Chase 70

Division two: 1. Paul Cookson 69, 2. Mark Lane 71

Division three: 1. Mark Womersley 71, 2. Ian Malin 73

Results of the Lady Captain’s fifth qualifier were as follows.

Division one: 1. Vanessa Barrow 74, 2. Linda Baxter 76

Division two: 1. Pat Heritage 76, 2. Ann Weston 76

Sylvia Wilson came out on top in the ladies’ Golf Foundation and an EG Medal at Knott End GC.

Sylvia was the Golf Foundation winner with a score of 72 and also the silver and bronze division one winner. Kath Wright had the lowest gross with a 92.

In the Bronze division two and three, Helen Tricket was the winner (74) and Jean Molloy had the lowest gross (104).