Family affair in final

CHRIS Nuttall's dad has pleaded with him not to put him through any more trauma in the Observer Golf competition - but he is going to get it.

The 19-year-old had his father, Ian, as caddy in his semi-final nerve-racking last hole victory over former finalist Dave Byrom and he admitted his dad didn't enjoy it.

"He was pulling his hair out and told me not to put him through it again," said the Accrington Golf Club member. "I told him there was one more game to go so he would have to put up with it!"

Chris, who works at Greyhound Ford but is hoping to get a plumbing apprenticeship, faces fellow Accrington member Dave Grimshaw in the final on Sunday at Rishton.

And there will be plenty of support for both finalists especially as both are in the last two for the first time.

"I usually play football on Sunday and my team Ossie Stop and Rest are coming to watch me after they have played their first game of the season in the morning," said Chris, who was the football club captain last season.

"And a lot of the older members at Accrington GC have said they will come and watch. They are brilliant, they always takes juniors under their wing, and we should both have a lot of support. There are a few bets flying around the club."

Chris, a former Rhyddings High School pupil, is one of the youngest finalists but is an experienced golfer.

"I have been playing since I was nine when my mum and dad bought me half a set of clubs for Christmas and it has gone on from there," said the two handicapper.

"It is an achievement just to get to the final and I want to enjoy the day although it is hard playing against people you know.

"Me and Dave know each other well and are playing together tomorrow at Accrington .

"When I played Dave Byrom in the semi-final I felt bad as Dave was ahead all the way round and then on the last hole he looked absolutely gutted," said Chris, who hit a four under par back nine.

"The only time I was ahead was on the final hole and then I birdied it while Dave hit a poor second shot.

"I was still on a high for days afterwards and felt like I had won the trophy!"

Dave Grimshaw, 48, is also keeping it in the family as his son Darren, 24, will be caddying for him on final's day.

"My son is getting back into golf again after being at university so he is going to caddy for me," said Dave who plays off six and will have two shots on the day.

"We have had a good build up to it as the bets and banter are flying around Accrington and hopefully it will be a fun day. I know Chris, he was my partner in Accrington's A team and I know his game but it is all about on the day."

And Dave might just be able to hold his nerve as he has played in front of a big crowd before.

"I got to the final of the Harold Ryden in 1982 and there was a large crowd there and I know nerves will play a large part."

FINALS DAY - SINGLES COMPETITION

9.30am: M Raszler, A Yates, W Rimmington (Acc)

9.45am: P Biggins (Acc), A Connor (Rish), A O'Neill (Rish)

10am: J Wyer (Gn Haw), W Shaw (Rish), T Hamilton (Rish)

10.15am: P Holroyd (Acc), K Fish (Acc), R Sharples (Rish)

10.30am: G Guest, A Guest, T McLaughlin (Acc)

10.45am: R Whittle, C Whittle, F Galpin (Rishton)

11am: G Cooper, C Philliden (Rish), B Snape (Bax)

12: A Barber, N Bury, G Milburn (Gn haw)

12.15pm: D Halstead (Gn Haw), P Shaw, M Fouldes (Whalley)