Joel Hopwood picks up first Alliance win

SKIBO Castle assistant professional Joel Hopwood made the long journey south to Deeside Golf Club, in the suburbs of Aberdeen, a worthwhile one when he scored his first win on the north-east Golfers' Alliance circuit yesterday.

Hopwood, 22, born in Stockton near Middlesbrough but brought up in the Granite City before his move north, headed a field of 96 with a one-under-par round of 69 on a gloriously sunny day at the Bieldside course.

He had birdies at the third, fifth, 13th and 17th, dropping shots at the tenth, 14th and 15th in halves of 34 and 35, and won by two shots from Scottish amateur international Philip McLean (Peterhead) (37-34) and Inchmarlo pro Ryan Fitzpatrick (38-33).

Elsewhere, Carnoustie's Katy McNicoll had an 80 (40-40) and Gemma Webster from Glasgow an 83 (38-45) in the first round of the LPGA Futures Tour Qualifying Tournament over three courses in Florida. California amateur Victoria Park led with a seven-under-par 64. There will be a cut after three rounds.