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Howzat for a fitting name for a golf hole

by Deborah Haile
30/ 4/2008

EX-ENGLAND cricket captain Michael Atherton proved he still has a keen eye for the ball – but now he’s showing those skills with his golf swing.

And he’s particularly pleased at being honoured by local golf fans.

Michael grew up close to the Brookdale Golf Club, in Failsworth, where his dad, Alan, has been a member for several years.

So when the club decided to name each of the 18 holes on the undulating course, ‘Atherton’ was a popular choice among the 490-strong membership. And his name was appropriately assigned to the course’s fourth hole, a par four, because it is closest to Michael’s family home.

During a visit to Failsworth last week Michael couldn’t resist the invitation to drive-off the tee at the special hole. And club captain Paul Cain says the former Lancashire cricketer, who is already an honorary member of the club, proved he was talented on the golf course as well as the cricket pitch.

Mr Cain said: "Michael does play here from time to time. And he seemed pleased that we had done this. He played at the hole and he hit the ball right down the fairway. He plays good golf."

Until now the holes have been numbered, rather than named. But now each hole reflects nearby geographical features and landmarks – including Poplars, Shaky Bridge and Badger’s Wood – or golf course heroes.

Former captain Jack Holme – who was instrumental in the expansion of the golf club to have a full 18 holes – is recognised on the third hole, called ‘Jack’s Hole’.

Mr Cain said: "We didn’t have any names for the holes prior to this, so we decided to name them and we asked our members for suggestions."