STEPHEN Downend had the round of his life to become a first-time major winner at Stamford Golf Club.
The 57-year-old from Stalybridge amassed a remarkable 47 points in the Stableford competition to lift the Barry Sidebottom Memorial Trophy.
That equated to 11-under-par nett as he shot a gross 81 for a nett 59 had it been a medal competition.
Stephen, a former Stayley cricketer, said: “I always felt I was capable of winning a competition, but generally I would have 14 good holes in a round.
“This was the one time I held it together for the full 18 holes which was a surprise and shock to win a major.”
Stephen, whose success has seen his handicap slashed from 22 to 16, pinpointed the par five 17th hole as being pivotal to his success.
“I hit my third shot, a seven iron, to within two feet for a birdie four. I also had two shots on the hole and, when I have four for five points, I felt I was in for a good score,” he continued, pointing out he only dropped four shots gross on the back nine.
Stephen, who works for a Gloucester-based textile business, was a member at Stamford for a couple of years in the late 1990s but didn’t have the time to devote due to his cricket commitments.
He rejoined last year when his cricket playing days tapered off with only the occasional third-team game.
Stephen, whose brother Martin has also joined Stamford, are renowned local cricketers.
There was a time when Martin would open the first team batting for Stayley and Stephen the bowling.
On another memorable day when Stayley played in the Saddleworth League, five members of the Downend family featured in the same first-team cricket match.
Stephen’s sons Sean and Ryan and nephews Rhys and Ben have all played for Stayley.
He also played football until the age of 48 at Sunday league including representing Greenfield Conservative Club.
“I have played a lot of sport, but I can honestly say golf is the most difficult one,” he said.
Stephen finished three points clear of Ian Slater (44) who was second on the card from Richard Guerin.