HINDLEY HALL’S Chris Lowe claimed the honours with a superb 66 nett (72 gross) at Great Lever.

Despite severe winds and intermittent rain, he beat off the challenge of some of Bolton’s top golfers to prove hisworth last Saturday in the BGA Past Presidents competition.

The 33-year-old Lowe, who recently moved to Hindley from Great Lever, felt at home on his old course and was two shots in front of home player Barry Peters whose 68 nett secured his second place.

Clubmate, Aaron Harper took third prize with a 73-4-69 three in front of his nearest challenger Great Lever’s Mike Barlow who finished with a 78-6-72.

Past winner, Andy Runciman of Deane, was gross leader in the clubhouse for a long period when the scratch golfer carded a 73 but this was eclipsed by reigning Bolton Champion Liam Ball who battled through the rain for a 72 to take the gross prize.

Meanwhile, the annual Captains’ Society Goblets competition was held at Turton on Sunday.

Almost continual rain caused a number of matches to be abandoned but the hardy winners were John McKenna (BGA president elect) of Regent Parkand partner Jeff Hibbert of Turton.

McKenna was in fine form and with useful help from home player Hibbert their 40 stableford points gave them victory – three clear of the field.

In second place were home player Roy Pettit and Dunscar’s 2011 captain Mark Kirkman, who finished with 37 points, two ahead of last year’s winner Norman Guy (Regent Park) and his partner Tom Lythgoe of Turton.