A PROFESSIONAL golfer from Prudhoe stormed into contention of making the Women's British Open.

A member of the Ladies Access Tour who plays out of Wearside Golf Club, Rebecca McGinley topped the pre-qualifying event to progress to the final qualifying stage.

With a fantastic round of two under par 70, she shared top spot in the pre-qualifier at The Berkshire Golf Club, in Ascot, with Emma Goddard to book her place in the next round with 25 other championship hopefuls.

She heads into the final qualifying stage at John O'Gaunt on July 25 full of confidence after her fantastic performance, looking for a spot in the prestigious British Open at Woburn, near Milton Keynes, at the end of this month.

Meanwhile, European Tour star Chris Paisley, of Mickley Square, is in good form after making the cut in his past two tournaments.

He claimed 22,050 euros after finishing tied 38th with +5 in the Open de France, and he followed it up with a brilliant score of -7 over the four rounds at last weekend's Aberdeen Scottish Open for a 53,629 euros pay day.

Hexham star Matty Lamb has been chosen by England to take part of this weekend's Carris Trophy, vying for both team and individual honours in the English U18 boys’ open amateur strokeplay championship at Hunstanton, in Norfolk.

Hexham's Jonathan Richardson was just two strokes of winning the PGA North Assistants' Championship for the Sue Wright Trophy.

Welshman Mark Pilkington won it with a two-under 68, with Richardson one of five players to finish on par.

Tynedale's Cliffy McKay welcomed members to the Green for his captain's day, with the shield going to Tony Roberts (79-17-62) ahead of Trevor Hodge (75-12-63) and Mark Armstrong (82-18-64).

Martin Lamb (75) recorded the best gross, while Colin Gilhepsy hit the longest drive on the 14th hole with Bobby Daglish nearest the pin on the eight.

For the ladies, Rita Barber had the longest drive and Sally Weir was closest to the pin.

The winning team of the Texas scramble was made up of Sally Weir, Edna Robson, Rita Barber,and Tommy Webb, with Sheila Newman, Joyce Douglas, Stephen Plemper jnr and Bob Smith second. Taking third place was Simon Teasdale, Scott Monnelly, Tony Roberts and Chris Dodds.

Regular pairing Pete Carson and Bob Smith (48) combined to take the Senior Men's Open ahead of Alston Moor brothers Alan and David Rutherford (46). Third place was secured by the pairing of home duo Jeff Tallant and Peter Brown (45).

The nearest the pin competition was won by Tony Roberts, with Pete Carson unleashing a monster drive on the 14th to record the longest.

Tynedale's doubles of Margaret Heads and George Henson (64.5) and Sally Weir and Harry Teasdale (67.5) were kept off top spot in the Mixed Open event by Longhirst visitors Mr and Mrs Herron (59.5).

Russell Mitchell held his captain's day at Haltwhistle , and watched Carl Kerrigan (39) take top spot from Keith Mather (37) and John Archibald (36).

Derek Rose was the first senior, with Geoff Mortimore and John Tweddle following on, while Sara Mather won the ladies' competition ahead of Carole Mortimore and Melanie Hepple.

Mitchell Sloane was the best performing junior, with Jonny Reddon runner-up.

There was a large turn-out for Simon Martin's captain's day at Stocksfield , with Josh Ward (42) leaving with the top prize. He was pushed close by Richard Paisley (42) with Nathan Glassbrook (39) third.

David and Diane Harvey (89-2104-67.6) pooled resources to win the President's Day competition. Following were the pairings of Stuart Ward and Jo Blackburn (87-17-70) and Alan Tiplady and Liz Hartley (86-15-71).

The winner of the latest Fred Punshon competition was Trevor Walker (38), with David Bell (37) and James Cram (34) making up the top three.

The 4BBB stableford Ritson Thompson Cup at Bellingham was secured by John Roberts and Neil Skilbeck (46), edging out second placed Robbie Gardner and Willie Irving (46). David Cowan and Chris Murphy (45) were third.

Stewart Jones (35) won the Stableford Cup qualifier ahead of Jack Johnstone (34) and Tony Anderson (31), while Alan Glass (85-20-65) triumphed in the Medal Championship qualifier. Jack (72-5-67) was again runner-up, finishing ahead of Trevor Hignett (89-20-69).

The winner of the ladies' Past Captains Quaich was Shirley Carruthers (32), with Jo Dickson (24) runner-up. Ruth Foley (36) needed countback to be crowned champion of the 36+ handicap stableford competition with Rachel Batchelor (36) hot on her heels.