Malton and Norton ladies simply number one (From Gazette & Herald)

Malton and Norton ladies simply number one

THERE must have been something in the air for the ladies at Malton and Norton Golf Club recently.

Within three-and-a-half weeks, four lady members have scored holes-in-one at the course - and three of them came within just four days of each other!

It is tradition that a golfer who scores an ace buys everyone a round of drinks in the clubhouse afterwards. And two weeks ago, the 19th at Malton and Norton was the place to be.

First on May 5 (bank holiday Monday), Naomi Nutman, a 30-handicapper from Swinton, holed-in-one from the 13th tee with a five-wood in a mixed competition in aid of Save the Children.

Two days later, Dorothy Chambers, a 40-handicapper from Crambeck, bagged her ace at the second hole, also using a five-wood.

The following day, Pat Wade, from Norton, who plays off 20, completed a remarkable sequence, as she holed out from the fourth tee during the medal cup competition, using a nine-wood.

Back in mid-April, Romey Willis set the ball rolling when she aced on the club's 13th hole, using a five-wood, on her way to winning the Spring Cup with a net 65.

Lady captain Judith Fishburn said: "In all my playing years, I've never known anything like this happen. We've probably had three ladies score holes-in-one during a year but to have three in four days and four in under a month is amazing."

The club hold an insurance policy which members can pay into to ensure drinks are paid for if they hole-in-one. While Pat and Romey were covered, it was pay-out time for Dorothy and Naomi.

Fortunately for Dorothy, her ace took place in a friendly match when the bar was quiet. Not so for Naomi though, who returned to a packed clubhouse after her round. To cap an amazing day for her, she and husband Tom also won the event that day.

Updated: 12:00 Thursday, May 22, 2003