Dickinson drives on to place in final

Jul 18 2008 by Tim Taylor, The Journal

WESTERHOPE’S greenkeeping staff were praised by the Bedlingtonshire club’s lady captain Majorie Dickinson yesterday after she won the Northumberland heat of The Journal Trophy, writes TIM TAYLOR.

The 63-year-old, whose average drive measures up to a commendable 220 yards, went forward with five other qualifiers to the final at Gosforth Park on September 22 in a tournament sponsored by 1st Tee Golfing Holidays.

“The course was closed because of rain for a day or so last week,” she said. “But Westerhope still got the course in very good condition indeed. I thoroughly enjoyed my day – it’s the best thing I have ever won in golf.”

A former centre-half with Whitley Bay Hockey Club, Dickinson, a retired member of General Electric’s human resources department, once won an £1,800 local radio prize for guessing a mystery voice – belonging to David Mellor. Having landed her first hole-in-one earlier this season, she now stands a chance of winning The Journal Trophy’s first prize of a golf and pamper weekend for two at De Vere Slaley Hall.

Playing off a handicap of 16, Dickinson, who lives in Seaton Sluice, returned a nett 76, as did Chris Lees, of Bellingham, and Close House’s Ruth Carey.

Dickinson’s putting let her down from time to time, but her game, noticeable for a short swing, gave her enough accuracy to win the county heat on a countback over the back nine.

“I managed to keep out of too much trouble,” she said. “But it was a long, tough course and nobody is more surprised than me that I managed to win.”

Yesterday’s qualifiers will be joined in the final by six more from the County Durham heat at Consett on August 6.

Dickinson refuses to dream of a luxury stay-over at Slaley. “I always find that if I set out thinking about a prize, it does not work,” she said. “I’ll just go out and enjoy another day’s golf.”

Results: Page 81