NEWCOMERS to women’s golf came together for a taste of the action.

Challenges were set and met by 29 players featuring in the inaugural academy away day at Styal Golf Club after taking part in beginner programmes across the county.

“For most of the 29 ladies who took part this was their first time to play on a golf course – as we played on the excellent par three course at Styal,” said Sean Hammill, an England Golf Cheshire club support officer.

“With everybody at the same level the nerves disappeared quickly and everybody had loads of fun.

“The ladies were set challenges to achieve over nine holes – this included a double bogey, taking two putts, repairing pitch marks, raking bunkers and completing a scorecard.

“Volunteers and the professionals from Styal accompanied the ladies to provide tips and guidance.

“The academy away days are perfect for any lady starting to play golf and they only need five to eight lessons beforehand.”

For details of future events visit getintogolf.org.

Meanwhile, Maureen Thompson came out on top in Division One of a women’s singles stableford at Wilmslow Golf Club.

The 37 points score put her ahead of Philippa Stewart, 35, and Nooshin Birch, 34.

In Division Two, Bridget Madden was first past the post with 37 points from Heather Christiansen, 36, and Jill Dodson, 35.

Alderley Edge’s women played a singles stableford and in top spot with 37 points was Yvonne Grundy from Julie Ricketts, 35, and Celia Berent, 33.

Judith Lacy posted 40 to lead in from Kath Goodall, 39, and Angela Patton, 38, in a stableford for Styal’s women.

A Sunday stableford at Styal needed a card play-off on 41 points to see Tony Francis across the finishing line ahead of Mike Burchell, with Simon Tracey hot on their heels with 40.

Styal’s seniors were in stableford mode and David Greenwood won a cpo on 39 points from Alan Lines, with Geoff Parkin and Michael Collier two behind.