Longcake lands record title
Last updated 05:32, Friday, 11 July 2008
JOHN Longcake lifted the Cumbria County Strokeplay title for a record sixth time and there was no-one prouder than dad Bill, a five-time winner of the same event.
Going into the four-round competition at Carlisle Golf Club last weekend, John, 45, was one of only four other Cumbrian golfers to have won the event five times, the other two being Alf Grieve and Fred Todd.
Wigton-based John, head groundsman at Armathwaite Hall, was a relieved man after the event, and told The Cumberland News: “I was confident going into the event and I have been playing well this season.
“I’ve been trying to win a record sixth title for some time now and thought I was getting too old,” added John who last lifted the trophy in 1999 after victories in 1985, 1987, 1993 and 1999.
But this year he has won his last four events, and victory by six shots at Carlisle saw him record a tremendous double.
John won the Cumbria County Matchplay title recently, a double he also recorded back in 1985.
“If I can carry on playing as I am, I can win this event again,” said John. “But there was nothing more pleasing than seeing my dad on the 18th on the final round.
“It’s great to have won a sixth title and to see him there with a lot of old friends was a very proud moment for me.
“A lot of my form is down to my employers at Armathwaite Hall allowing me to play golf whenever I have to. I am very grateful for that.”
Father Bill, 81, played for Cumbria from 1947 to 1978 and won the Cumbria Strokeplay title in 1955, 56, 59, 63 and 67.
And he watched his son and grand-daughter Cathy, who is also an excellent golfer and caddies for her dad, in the final stages, and said: “I knew John would win it before he started.
“I was very proud. I have caddied for him all over the country and it’s great to see John carry on the family tradition. I have had a lot of pleasure watching him over the years,” added Bill who is unwell at present after having a stroke last year.
John showed little mercy for his opponents and went into the fourth round seven strokes ahead after rounds of 68, 69 and 68. He even extended the lead to nine strokes after 11 holes before ending with a round of 74 for a six-stroke 279 victory.
Brampton’s Grant Little came second after playing steady golf all week-end to total 285, while former champion Will Bowe posted an 80 in the first round and followed that with rounds of 69, 67 and 71 to finish third on 287.
Martin Hand and James Atkinson both indulged in high scores in round one but also posted good scores in subsequent rounds to get themselves back in contention and finished in the prizes.
John Longcake now goes forward to represent the county in the County Champions Tournament at Woodhall Spa on Saturday, September 20.
Carlisle Golf Club’s Stephen Jopson will make his debut for the county against Cheshire this weekend.
Jopson has put in some impressive performances in recent County tournaments.
