A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD course record was finally broken when John Howarth turned on the style at Crook Golf Club – and he already has his sights on breaking it again.

One-handicapper Howarth, playing alongside Brian Harrison and Graeme Watson, posted a sublime 64 at his local club and there is every chance the new high will take some beating.

Crook captain Sean Lauder said: “The previous best gross score was a 65 by Steven Gray which had stood for seven years until now but I think the new best gross of 64 will last for a good few years more.”

Howarth was three under after nine with birdies at the first, fifth, eighth and ninth, with a bogey on the Par 3 fourth. He tried to keep it steady around Crook's Amen Corner - 10, 11, 12 and 13 – and he then holed a 15ft putt for eagle on the 17th.

He finished off in style too at the last after following up a thunderous driver with a pitch to within eight feet before casually holing the left-to-right, uphill putt.

Howarth, who started playing golf nine years ago, said: “I haven’t had a round like that for a couple of years; three years ago at Brancepeth Castle I shot five under. The funny thing is that this time, early on I missed a few chances, even my playing partners said it could have been low 60s. I have a couple more comps this year, maybe I can hit 63 next time!”

ROCKLIFFE HALL has updated its membership benefits and released its winter green fees.

The luxurious course in Hurworth, near Darlington, has become renowned for hosting the European Tour English Senior Open for the last two years, attracting international names and Ryder Cup stars such as Ian Woosnam, Mark James and Sam Torrance.

The new membership package has a long list of benefits including unlimited seven day access and use of the golf academy, short game area and practice putting green with complimentary range balls.

New winter green fees have also been announced starting from £35 per person for 18 holes, a bacon roll and tea/coffee on arrival. Golf Membership at Rockliffe Hall starts from £1500.

SEATON CAREW golfer Cameron Wallace has been named the Teesside Golf Union’s Junior player of the year after an impressive year on the circuit.