A DREAM came true for a golfer from the district when he sunk his first hole-in-one.

Richard Walton’s ace in the Pig ‘n’ Mix Charity Golf Day at Linden Hall was a significant one, for it landed him £25,000 in prize money.

But while the cash was a satisfying bonus, there was something much more personal at stake for the 40-year-old Haltwhistle man.

For Richard dedicated his ace to his late father Ian, himself a keen golfer, who died almost five years ago at the age of 68.

“This is a lifelong achievement for me,” he said in the clubhouse afterwards.

“I’ve worked hard at my golf and always strive for improvement, so to finally get that hole-in-one is very special.”

Richard’s ace at the 144-yard, par three 15th hole at Linden Hall, near Morpeth, came as he captained Team Walton, alongside close friends Peter Nixon, Mark Foxcroft, and Joseph Tulip.

His sweetly-struck eight iron was arrowed straight at the pin, landing just short of the green, before making its way into the hole.

“It needed a good bounce, which it got, and it was such an incredible feeling to see it go in,” said the father-of-two, who now lives in North Tyneside.

The ace also came on a ‘beat the pro’ hole, where he was up against Linden Hall professional Martyn Jobling.

A week earlier, 14-handicapper Richard played at Haltwhistle Golf Club, where he pointed out the now former hole where his dad once struck his only ace, before the course was redesigned three decades ago.

“My dad enjoyed his golf and this is for him,” said Richard. “I’d like to think he’ll be proud that I’ve matched his achievement.”

Richard was full of praise for golf day organiser Stewart Bailey, after the annual event raised around £5,000 in aid of the Great North Air Ambulance Service.

A total of 20 teams lined up in the Texas scramble, and serial fund-raiser Stewart has now topped the £700,000 mark after hosting a multitude of events over the years, including the golf day, which is now in its 11th year.

Stewart said: “Richard is a lovely lad and I am absolutely delighted for him.”

To donate email: baileysch@sky.com.