BIG Bertha's association with golf is legend - the club of that name stands tall in many a player's bag.

But it was another Bertha who made an entirely different and destructive impact on York.

The York Union of Golf Clubs' amateur championship, one of the principal events on its calendar, was KO'd by the remnants of Bertha, the hurricane whose tail-end whiplashed the country last weekend.

Three hours into competition at The Oaks Golf Club in Aughton, play had to be halted because of the torrential downpours and vicious winds.

Seven-time champion Martin Bown is pictured by The Press photographer David Harrison manfully trying to peer though the gloom before the eventual abandonment, by which time several greens were flooded and the course was declared unplayable. The stoppage to play came just as the first group had reached the 15th hole.

Now there will be a lengthy wait to determine the destiny of this year's crown with the 36-hole competition re-scheduled for October 5.

Meanwhile, Selby GC head professional Nick Ludwell's hold on the De Vere Leeds Cup was prised free.

Rotherham's Ben Mason is tghe new holder after his rounds of 69 and 67 pipped the 2010 victor Steve Parry, from Lancashire by one shot, and Snainton Golf Centre's Alex Belt, who tied with Parry for second place. Belt, who still leads the northern Order of Merit, posted rounds of 69 and 68.

Just a shot shy of the joint runners-up was John Mellor of The Oaks GC. He fired 68 and 70 for third spot.