A DOUBLE act from Dinsdale Spa is still celebrating after a performance in Portugal to savour which has earned a cash boost to the tune of £2,500.

Nikki Dunn, in her second year as a PGA assistant at the County Durham golf club, wasted no time in entering the PGA record books by being one half of the first duo to win the WPGA Lombard Trophy.

Dunn’s quality was evident at Pestana Vila Sol when she and her amateur partner, 18-handicapper Sue Kiddle, won the inaugural women’s edition of what is Europe’s largest pro-am.

“We played steadily, playing one shot at a time and didn’t get ahead of ourselves,” said Dunn afterwards. “We worked well as a pair. When one of us was needed we stepped in.

“It’s a great start to my career as a pro and I’m delighted Lombard and The PGA have invited the women to play in this. It’s something else women can get involved and make our mark.”

Dunn’s experience as a player is somewhat more extensive than her short time as a PGA assistant. She represented Yorkshire and was a member of the England squad as an amateur and spent four years playing the game at college in the USA.

And the bizarre thing was that Dunn’s playing partner, Kiddle, needed some persuading to actually take on the event – and now she’s just glad she did.

“I’d never played in anything like this before,” she said. “When Nikki said to me we were through to a regional final I said I can’t play in that.

“The comfort she gave me was telling me it was a better ball and not greensomes or foursomes. I’m thrilled she persuaded me to play and I’ve enjoyed every minute.”

Level on three-under-par with Ormskirk and Wike Ridge Golf Clubs after the first round of the event which is supported by Coca Cola, the Dinsdale Spa duo prospered while their rivals faltered.

The Wike Ridge pair of WPGA member Eleanor Robinson and Gill Swaby-Ward remained on three-under while Ormskirk’s Ali Gray and Sara Fitzgerald finished a shot further back.

By contrast, Dinsdale Spa reprised their opening round of 69 to post a tournament total of six-under-par and win the event by three shots.

Boasting a shot advantage over Wike Ridge at the turn, the chances of victory grew stronger as the homeward leg of their journey unfolded.

Four birdies on the back nine tempered by two bogeys ensured their grip on the trophy and £2,500 winner’s cheque was never loosened.

MEANWHILE, Masham’s England international Daniel Brown was part of the Yorkshire team that has won the English Men’s County Championship for the 21st time.

Yorkshire beat Hampshire 5.5-3.5 in a final day showdown at Sandwell Park in Staffordshire. Although Yorkshire dominate the list of past winners, this is their first victory for nine years and the victory was sweet, especially after the boys’ and women’s teams narrowly lost their county finals.

Team captain Darryl Berry, who has previously played in two winning sides, said: “This is great for the team and for all our supporters. It’s been a brilliant team effort, the lads have been great.”

Yorkshire set up their win with a great foursomes performances, winning 2.5 of the three available points. Brown, the English champion, is a big player for his county.