The Cheshire Union of Golf Clubs were delighted to have the Royal Liverpool Golf Club, Hoylake host the 98th County Championship.
Understandably there was a full entry of top players from across Cheshire aiming to play one of the top courses in the UK over three days of intense competition.
As well as a fabulous course in pristine and challenging condition the players were able to enjoy the excellent hospitality in the historic clubhouse which has its many historic golf competitions displayed in the clubhouse.
The weather was also very pleasant with the final day of the competition treated to wall to wall sunshine and some fantastic views across the River Dee Estuary.
The quality of the course was reflected in the scoring over the first two days with many players struggling with the course challenge.
The first round leader was Paul McFerran of Warrington GC with a best of the competition 68.
It also helped Paul to the prize for the Best Over 35 Years with his aggregate of 303.
Leading after 36 holes at the end of Day Two was Joe Sephton (Wallasey) with 70, 73-142 which won him the Darlington Trophy, and the top individual score on the day of 71 was posted by Liam Gobin (Sandiway).
The third round top score on the final day was 71 from Ben Buchanan (Dunham Forest) and Joe Sephton went into the final round with a two shot lead from reigning champion Jake Hibbert (Warrington).
Then Jake stepped up a gear and showed his intent with some super golf taking him into a healthy lead and he kept his nerve and momentum to post a final round of 70 and a winning score of 290 to retain the historic trophy.
The best final round score came from Jack Nicholson (Vicars Cross) who won a card play off on 70 from Jake.
Jake is the first player to retain the Championship Trophy after a first win since Cheshire legend David Horsey (Styal GC) did it in 2006.
As well as the championship trophy Jake also won the TPD Taylor Trophy for the Leading Colt aged 22 years and under and helped his Warrington team of Jon Beesley and Paul McFerran to the club Team Championship with a 906 total score.They will represent Cheshire in the English Champion Club Tournament at Stanton-on-the-Wolds in September.
Jake will also represent Cheshire in the English County Champions Tournament at Woodhall Spa on Sunday September 15.
Also winning trophies and prizes were Ryan Owen (Wilmslow) with the Israel Sidebottom Trophy as the championship runner-up with 295, Liam Gobin third with 298, Sam Burton (Prestbury) fourth with 299.
Cheshire President Roy Claxton (Eaton GC) presented the trophies and prizes to all of the winners and gave deserving praise to all of the county organisers and players and all at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club for providing a magnificent venue and course which will live long in the memory of all of the players and their supporters.
He also presented a CUGC plaque to the Royal Liverpool Captain for hosting the competition.
Copy: Geoff Garnett
Images, Geoff Garnett, Jerry Dixon & Bob Hamilton
