A GREAT grandad has won his first golf competition in 14 years after getting a new hip.

Ex-miner John Cross, from Ushaw Moor, near Durham, won the Alan Scott Cup and Chairman’s Flag competition at South Moor Golf Club, near Stanley.

The 84-year-old, who has been golfing for around 30 years, had not won a competition since 2004.

It followed a decision by the golf authorities to allow the maximum handicap for men to increase from 28, keeping older players competitive and on the course.

Mr Cross said: “A lot of older players were leaving the game, this change allowed us to compete again. It’s fantastic.

“I was so chuffed to win the Alan Scott Cup, I can’t describe the feeling when I found out.”

The two victories saw his handicap reduced from 35 to 30.

Mr Cross who has been chairman of South Moor’s senior section for 15 years, had a brush with death in 2013 when he was diagnosed with auto-immune disorder Guillain-Barre syndrome and in 2014 he had to have a hip replacement.

The club’s acting chairman Guy Carr said: “At South Moor we strongly believe that everyone should stand on the first tee with a chance to win, and that is what the changes to the handicap system were all about.”

“We were delighted that John was able to have his day in the sun after playing so well and bouncing back from ill-health.

“His two wins after 14 years of trying just go to show good golfers never give up trying to improve, and his five shot handicap cut was much deserved.”