FOR any golfer a three-figure total is a nightmare - unless you are Jonathan Plaxton.

The former England amateur international is currently consumed at the double by a century.

First he has been appointed chairman of the Fulford Golf Club centenary committee responsible for charting the celebrations for that milestone at the Heslington-based club in two years time.

And Plaxton has also just become only the third player in York Union of Golf Clubs' history to make 100 appearances for the area's inter-union team.

In recognition of that representational ton-up Plaxton was presented with a pair of inscribed silver napkin rings when he reached the three-figure feat at Pike Hills. YUGC president John Taylor, a nimble par 72-year-old, made the presentation.

Plaxton's ace accomplishment earned a stout tribute from YUGC secretary Mike Thompson, who told the Evening Press: "Jonathan has been an outstanding player for the York Union.

"Besides being a perfect gentlemen he has been a credit to himself, the game, his club and the Union. He has been a tremendous role model for all young players coming through the ranks.

"His contribution has been first-class. While he is always very competitive, he is as graceful in defeat as he is in victory. He is a one-off."

And there have been many triumphs in Plaxton's playing career which started as a youngster in Scarborough where he took to the game at Scarborough North Cliff and South Cliff courses.

Since then he has been crowned York Union Open champion three times (in 1980, '82 and '83); has lifted the match-play title on no fewer than six occasions (1981, '84, '87, '88, '92 and '94) and five years ago he won the coveted amateur championship - all York Union events.

And to add to his 100 appearances for the YUGC, and several outings as a full England international, he has also played 88 times for Yorkshire.

He has, however, ceded hope of a White Rose 100 - his last appearance for his county was some ten years ago - but he has been thrilled to have got so much out of a game he has adorned with grit and humility.

Of great satisfaction to him was following in the spike-marks of two other Fulford players, the late Jim Issott, and Kevin Miller, as the only three players to top 100 appearances for the York Union.

Of his century one of the most surreal, he recalled, was playing against Halifax and Huddersfield at Saddleworth GC, where through the Pennine valleys could be heard a brass band concert playing, of all things, James Bond themes.

Since then he has become the Union's own special agent 100 rather than 007.

And there may well be another Plaxton soon on the tee-line.

The former Fulford GC club captain revealed his nine-year-old son Joshua is just embarking on taking his first lessons in the game. A chip off the old block, perhaps.

MINUS Jonathan Plaxton, the York Union suffered a 22-14 defeat in their recent Inter-District Union match away to Harrogate at Oakdale.

Their defeat was sealed in the foursomes in which they gained just one win from Martin Brown (Pike Hills) and Neil Smith (Heworth).

In the singles it was honours-even at 12-12 with York wins for Brown, Smith, Adrian Lount (Pike Hills), skipper Neil Thompson (Scarthingwell), Steve Lockwood (Heworth) and Philip Dobson (The Oaks).

The Union's next match is against Halifax/Huddersfield UGC at Easingwold GC on Sunday, July 11.

The team is: Jim Batt (Heworth), Martin Brown (Pike Hills), James Duckett (Fulford), Steve Dunn (Fulford), James Hudson (Pike Hills), Steve Lockwood (Heworth), Matthew Lord (Fulford), Adrian Lount (Pike Hills), Alaister Smith (Heworth), Jamie Smith (Fulford), Neil Smith (Heworth), Neil Thompson (Scarthingwell). Rserves: Neil Ferguson (Easingwold), Richard Stephenson (York), Adam Newton (Fulford).

IT was the case of the Butler doing it to determine the York Ladies amateur championship played at Kirkbymoorside GC.

Malton and Norton's Judy Butler and Elizabeth Jones (Fulford) tied with gross scores of 80 with the ladies' crown eventually going to Butler after she won the three-hole play-off.

The silver division winner was the host club's Marion Cole with a nett 70 on count-back from last year's winner, Heworth's Pat Bowden.

Another home success was gained in the bronze division won by Kirkbymoorside's Isabella Eggleston, also on count-back from Lesley Ford (Aldwark Manor) after each tied on 71 nett. Third on 72 was Jennie Stacey (Aldwark Manor).

KILNWICK Percy GC's captain's medal was won by Gareth Pudsey with a nett 64 ahead of Neil Atkinson (65) and vice-captain Steve Cooper (66).

The winner of the Anne Beharrell Cup was Vivien Howson with a nett 73. Dora Langworthy was one shot adrift to finish as runner-up with Carol Hunter, last year's winner, third on 74.

ROB Bradley and Mike Staveley comfortably won Allerthorpe Park's Danby Anniversary Cup with 45 stableford points, four clear of Simon Cone and Jason Wood.

Allerthorpe Ladies 'B' team drew 3-3 with Silsden in a Yorkshire Ladies Golf Association tie.

Updated: 10:22 Saturday, July 03, 2004