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Record round for Raquel

Mike Floyd
23/ 7/2003

HOPWOOD golfer Raquel Whatmough has bounced back with a vengeance after a five-year break from the game.

The five-handicapper, who plays at Manchester and Rossendale, resumed her golfing career seven weeks ago and broke the course record at Rossendale a fortnight back with a two under gross 70. And last week she clinched the Lloyd Jones Scratch Trophy at the challenging Romiley course returning an 81 in difficult windy conditions.

Raquel, a former Lancashire junior tennis player, took up golf 14 years ago when she went out with an assistant golf professional.

"I had always played tennis as a junior and represented Lancashire," she said. "But when I was 18 I went out with an assistant golf professional and I thought I'd give it a go. I was quite good and started training with the Professional Golfers Association when I was 24. However, I then took a break to play tennis again. Age took its toll, so I'm back playing golf."

The 32-year-old sales representative now aims to work hard to improve her game. She added: "Over the next two years I want to try and get my handicap down to scratch or plus figures.

"I want to play with the best amateur golfers and test my ability against them. I would also like to play in more prestigious amateur competitions."

Raquel will have her first opportunity to take up fulfil this ambition in two weeks time when she travels to Royal Birkdale, Southport, to play in the Birkdale Scratch Trophy.