Making his Mark

in Open season

MARK Ashworth is on course to retain his second title in the space of a week - but that's where he hopes the similarities with last year will stop.

He held on to the Clitheroe club championship on Saturday and will be attempting to mirror another 2003 success in the Wilpshire Trophy this weekend.

But when the regional qualifying for the Open comes round on Monday a repeat of last year is the last thing Ashworth wants.

He went into the event at Alwoodley 12 months ago fuelled by the triumphs at his home club and at Wilpshire, where he struck a course record 62 in the second round to clinch the title.

However, two days later he saw his hopes of making the Open's final qualifier slip away when a triple bogey on the 16th wrecked his chances.

"Last year the pressure got to me, but it proved that if I play well I can get through," said Ashworth, one of 10 East Lancashire golfers lining up at Pleasington on Monday.

"I just need a bit of luck. I'm happy with my form and I've put a lot of work in over the winter so this is when I have to make it count.

"Winning the club championship at Clitheroe is a confidence boost and I'm cementing a place in the Lancashire team so I'm looking forward to it.

"I played at Pleasington in the Lancashire Championship and know it pretty well, but they have toughened it up."

It's estimated that the top 12 are likely to make the cut for the final qualifiers, which will take place at courses close to the Open venue of Troon in Scotland.

Ashworth added: "If I get through I'd just treat that as a holiday. There's no pressure, you just go out and hit it, because how many people can say they have played in the Open?"

Trevor Foster can for one. He will be attempting to repeat his feat of 1988, when he actually led the field at Royal Birkdale in the first round.

The Accrington golfer has an advantage on Monday, in that he is in the last group of three to tee off so is likely to know the sort of score required.

But in a field of 105, the competition will be fierce as players from Spain, New Zealand and Ghana arrive in Lancashire to stake their claim for a place in the world's top Major.

Not travelling quite as far will be Pleasington members Michael Hunt, Gareth Gillatt and Andrew Westwell.

Nelson's Daniel Nutter, runner-up in last week's ELGA Championship, is also in contention, as is Ashworth's Clitheroe club-mate Stuart Andrew.

Burnley's Ben Scott, Blackburn's Anthony Harwood and Ashley Siddle of Rossendale complete the strong East Lancashire contingent.

A FIELD of 70 amateurs will contest the Wilpshire Trophy on Saturday and, as well as Ashworth, includes other previous winners Ian Perkins (Wilpshire), Trevor Foster (Accrington), Tony Flanagan (Nelson), John Reed (Blackburn) and Ken Hudson (Hart Common).

County players include Gary Boardman, Craig Fort, Craig Vance, Paul Williams, Ken Hudson, Foster, Ashworth and Alan Squires, Lancashire's most capped player with over 190 appearances.

ASHWORTH clinched his Clitheroe title with 69 to add to a first round 75.

Carl Drinkwater kept his nerve to post a 71 in the afternoon which resulted in a 146 total for second place. Jon Dugdale took third place just two shots behind.

Young Andrew Bennie had led the field after 18 holes.