Craig clicks with 66

Birthday boy Craig Corrigan, who clocked up his half century two weeks ago, reckons that at 50 he still has plenty to play for during the next few years and beyond.

And he proved he’d lost none of his skills when he rolled in five birdies in a four-under-par 66 at Ashton-in-Makerfield to win the PGA North Seniors’ Championship by four shots from second-placed Gary Wolstenholme, who represents Carus Green.

“I just missed out at the senior qualifying school last winter after clearing the first stage but I’ll have another go at it next time,” said Corrigan who spent his formative years at Wigan club Haigh Hall and is approaching his fifth year teaching at the nearby Chilli Dip Academy.

“There are other opens and PGA national events so there’s plenty to go at when you get older. There is certainly a market for it.

"When some golfers reach 50 they get fed up with young lads whacking the ball past them but with the players’ tour events they can still compete at 60 and older.

He added: “I think the PGA North Region has done a great deal for us.”

LEADING SCORES:

66 Craig Corrigan (Chilli Dip Academy); 70 Gary Wolstenholme (Carus Green); 71 Jeff Mathews (Clarkes Golf Centre); 72 Jonathan Cheetham (1836tour.com); 73 Alan Gibson (Sutton Hall); 74 David Shacklady (Mossock Hall), David Padgett (Pannal), Gary Brown (Ganton), Brian Sharrock (unatt), John King (Lindrick).