CHARLOTTE Wild has revealed that Tony Jacklin was one of the driving forces behind her victory in this week's Cheshire Girls' Championship at Portal.

"He told me to believe in myself and always work hard," said the Mere member, who is 17 today.

Charlotte, pictured with the trophy, spent most of the winter practising in Florida, and frequently visited the 1969 Open champion and three-time Ryder Cup captain and his family at his home nearby. And they played a few rounds at The Concession, the course Jacklin designed with Jack Nicklaus, which commemorates the final hole in the 1969 Ryder Cup.

That was where the Golden Bear conceded a two-foot putt to his rival in a gesture widely regarded as an indelible moment in sportsmanship as Great Britain and Ireland tied the match.

"It's a fantastic course," said Charlotte. "I gained a lot of experience playing with Tony and he gave me plenty of encouragement," said the three-handicapper.

Jacklin has struck up a friendship with her dad, Martin, the JJB Sports golf director, and company owner Dave Whelan through his link with Slazenger.

Charlotte was joined in Florida by Sandiway's Kate Whitmore, runner-up to her at Portal, and Mere clubmate Gina Brown, who succeeded her as M.E.N. Women's champion last year. And within minutes of sinking the winning putt in a one-over-par 75, Jacklin had heard the news and passed on his congratulations to her.

Victory came only a few days after she had spoiled Stockport player David Peel's 100th appearance for Cheshire - she beat him two and one as the county women beat the men 8-7 at Wallasey.

"We're planning to go back to Florida again next winter," added Charlotte, who won the Northern Girls' Championship at her home club last August.

Meanwhile, 12-year-old Bronte Law, from Bramhall, won the U-15 and U-13 titles with a 79.

EUROPEAN Tour player Phil Archer, from Birchwood, teamed up with his mum Jean, a member of Poulton Park, to top score with 40 points in the White Cup at Chorlton.

But Stamford pair Mark Smith and Jo Alkers took the trophy because the winners must represent one club.

Meanwhile, High Legh's Anthony Sproston signed for a winning 64 in the Fylde Alliance at Penwortham. Tweet