Clacton golfer Stuart Locke strengthened his vice-like grip on his club championships by topping the field for no less than the sixth time.

Locke was the one the rest of the players knew they had to fear in Sunday's event - and he proved them right.

He retained the Clacton Golf Club Champion trophy he won last year and on four previous occasions before that.

Locke - who runs Purely Kitchens in the town and plays off a two-handicap - set off in tremendous style as he hit a one under par 70 in the morning round.

Although he failed to repeat his terrific scoring in the afternoon he still carded a 76, and with a total of 146 finished ahead of his nearest rivals by three shots.

Locke was competing in the gold division for those with a handicap of scratch to seven.

As he won the overall title he was unable to compete for the cup in his division.

That went to his Thornton Cup colleague Jiwan Rai who finished on 149.

After an 80 in the first round he stormed back with an incredible 69 - the best of the day - to clinch the title.

Leslie Wood team member Paul Millard took the silver division.

Published Thursday, June 26, 2003

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