YORK Rose Bowl winner Craig Smith, of Fulford Golf Club, has dedicated his victory to Russ Chilton, his mentor and friend for several years.

Smith shot a magnificent 66 opening round during The York Golf Club event despite testing weather conditions, to set up victory over a 64-strong high-class field of amateur golfers from Lancashire, Teeside, County Durham, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and all over Yorkshire.

In his acceptance speech he spoke of his gratitude to Chilton, a long-time supporter of the York Rose Bowl, whom he said had been a close friend and mentor who would be much missed by golfers, friends and family alike.

Chilton died of a suspected heart attack last month at the age of 51.

He had been York Union of Golf Club’s scratch team captain, leading them to the county title in 2014 and last year’s runners-up spot. As Pike Hills GC skipper, he also guided the Askham Bryan-based club to the Yorkshire first division title for the first time in 2010.

Smith won the Rose Bowl thanks to fine form on the firm, tricky greens such as the undulating and sloping fifth, seventh and 15th - scoring birdies while others turned birdie chances into bogeys.

He led the field at lunchtime by three shots and was able to keep his nerve, and play consistent golf, throughout the afternoon in very windy conditions.

He was chased hard by Nick Poppleton, of Wath GC, who carded a fantastic gross 65 for the afternoon but was unable to catch Smith, the Fulford ace coming in with a creditable two-under-par round and a total of six under for the event.

The course at The York GC, in Strensall, had been in superb condition despite the inclement weather this year and Ian Clark, club captain, thanked his greens team for their efforts as well as praising the high standard of golf shown by the players.