Old Fold in good Nick for Portugal spot

Jack France (left) with amateur Nick Boisover.

Old Fold Manor Golf Club PGA professional Jack Frances announced himself in style by sealing a place in the Lombard Trophy Final.

Frances only joined the Barnet-based club in February, but he teamed up with amateur and five handicapper Nick Boisover at Sandy Lodge Golf Club to book a place in the competition’s Portugal final.

The duo carded a nine under par round of 62 at the Northwood venue to win by one shot ahead of Dan Field and Duncan Woodcock of East Herts Golf Club.

Now the Old Fold pairing will head for the £41,000, Coca-Cola and Pestana Resorts supported, National Pro-Am grand final which will be played at the Vila Sol resort in the Algarve between September 21-22.

Boisover, aged 52 and a project manager in the engineering industry, has been a member at Old Fold Manor for 23 years.

“I always felt Jack was capable of shooting a low score, it was just a case of how much I could contribute,” he said.

“The important hole for us was the 16th where I managed to hole a 30-40 foot putt and that gave us a nett eagle and put us into the lead. We thought seven under par was a decent target so we were delighted with our final score.

“It was great playing with Jack, he’s new to the club but is a popular figure with time for everyone. So to have him as a playing partner in this event was ideal.”

Frances admitted he was as excited as Boisover to be going to Portugal.

“I only joined came to the club as head professional this year so it’s good to get the club into a national final so soon after coming here,” he said.

“Myself and Nick were really pleased to win and we want to go to Portugal to try and win as well. It’s a final I’ve never been to before so we’re both excited by the prospect.”

The duo began their victory charge on the back nine with three successive birdies and a nett eagle a the 16th.

That was enough to put them top of the leaderboard in a closely fought contest - and they stayed on nine under par with level par scores at the 17th and 18th holes.