CORONATION Street star Johnny Briggs was today given a verbal clubbing by lady golfers after he branded them "cockroaches".

Keen golfer Briggs - the Street's Mike Baldwin - made the astonishing claims in the magazine Shires Golfer.

He claimed women golfers took liberties, didn't know the rules or etiquette of the game and "seem to take over everything like cockroaches".

He added: "They are an abomination on the golf course and shouldn't be allowed, except in women-only clubs."

However, a poll of East Lancashire lady golfers suggested that Briggs may have spent too much time in the 19th hole.

"I think's it's just rubbish," said Mrs Mary Pickup at Pleasington Golf Club. "He's a male chauvinist."

Her fellow golfer Mrs Monica Smith, a member for 35 years, added: "I used to like him but I've changed my mind. Women stick more to the rules than do the men." Pam Fitzgerald, a past Lady Captain of Darwen Golf Club, said: "It's awful for someone in his position to say that. I think he has done it to get in the papers."

And Darwen player Cassie Brewis added: "We are certainly not cockroaches! Most of us are very nice.

"There are some clubs that don't like women but it's a good club here.

"I understand if it's a men's day they don't want women around but equally that can apply to us."

Hazel Clark, of Towneley Golf Club, Burnley, added: "It's ridiculous. We play the game how it should be played." And it's not just the women who think Johnny has gone too far.

Hazel's husband Nigel, Towneley's secretary, added: "We have 50 lady members who are role models as far as etiquette, pace of play and knowing the rules is concerned."

Ged Furey, Pleasington's professional, agreed: "Most women know the rules better than men and are more considerate.

"They may not hit the ball as long but they keep it in play better. They also take more care of their appearance than most men."

Marion Carr, secretary of the English Ladies' Golf Association, says: "You will never change the Briggses of this world, but the positive side is that ladies are being far more accepted.

"Equal rights are coming into a lot of clubs."

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