Dane Bairstow and Stephen Kennedy claimed the Inter-Club Fourball Championship in the season opener last month and now team-mate Dale Brook has tasted glory.
The West Bradford ace held his nerve in a star-studded field on Sunday, allowing him to claim victory at the prestigious Bradford Amateur Strokeplay Championship.
Brook shot a three-over par 73 at Cleckheaton & District Golf Club, meaning he edged out Josh Ridgeway, Dan Clarke-Coates and James Darcy by one stroke.
Speaking to the T&A, a delighted Brook said: “It’s the biggest win of my career, having been runner-up at the tournament twice.
“I was buzzing because two of our members, Paddy (Gavin) and Dane, have won the tournament before, so they were both giving me a bit of stick beforehand.
“I knew I needed to win it this time, but it was close.
“I held on pretty well in the back nine, where I shot level-par, which I think is pretty much what won me the tournament.”
Dale Brook poses for his trophy on Sunday alongside current Bradford Golf Union President Steven Smith (Branshaw). (Image: UGC)
Slow and steady wins the race is a cliché as old as time, but it was apt in this instance.
By way of comparison, poor Charlie Greaves (Manor Golf Club) was sitting pretty at one over par after 13 holes, only for a late collapse to see him drop seven strokes and finish 16th.
Brook said: “I knew 16 and 18 were birdie holes, so as long as I could keep level on that back nine, I had a chance on those two.
“I holed a good putt to make birdie on 16 and then a good up and downer on the tough par-three 17, then I only just missed out on birdie at 18.
“I was pretty confident I’d hold on once I got in front, but there were quite a few good players up there.
“It was a bigger field than usual because they really pushed entry for the tournament so we got a good turnout.”
The ribbing that Gavin and Bairstow gave Brook before the tournament was all in jest, and it points to a real camaraderie at West Bradford.
Dale Brook (second left) and Dane Bairstow (third left) go way back at West Bradford, the pair celebrating in early 2018 having helped the club win the Scratch Third Division title the previous year. (Image: UGC)
Brook said: “Dane was buzzing for me, happier than most people to be honest.
“We’re in a good position on the whole at West Bradford, with Dane and Steve winning the inter-club fourball and having just gone tied top of the Scratch First Division.
“We’ve all come together this year, practiced hard and really focused on trying to win the league.
“And individually, this time it’s come good for me.”
The set-up at West Bradford benefits Brook too, who said: “It’s got a lot of great members there who all put money into course.
“That’s definitely showing this year, because it’s looking great and it just helps us lower (handicap) golfers, the course being in good condition.”