Golf: Among the more remarkable displays in last week's English Open Championship at Moor-town was that of Northcliffe's Martin Bell.

He didn't finish among the prizes but, given that 18 months ago he didn't expect to play golf again, to get through the qualifying was an outstanding performance.

Bell, who has won every major Bradford individual title and has been T&A Golfer of the Year eight-times - a record unlikely to be broken - spent 16 weeks flat on his back in agony.

Months of treatment with an osteopath made no difference and finally he needed surgery to remove a disc from his spine.

"It was a very low time and I didn't think I'd be able to play again. I didn't touch a club between November 1997 and last August, and then it was only some chipping and putting," Bell said.

"But gradually I was able to start playing again and I think I'm close to getting back to the standard I used to have.

"I was quite pleased with the way I played at Moortown and I'd like to think I could hold my own in some of the Yorkshire and Bradford events later this summer."

Bell admits that his appetite for the game has been increased by the rapid progress of his 15-year-old son Simon, who is now down to a four handicap.

They paired up to take third place in the recent Bradford Foursomes and Martin says: "He's already a better golfer than I am. He's reasonably long for his age and has a super short game. We are hoping he will be able to play some national events this year to get experience.

"I can understand why Mark O'Meara says that Tiger Woods has made him more determined to play well. Simon and I don't play together that much, but he does make me want to do better.

"I would love for us both to play in the same Bradford team and hopefully that might happen this year - if I can get back into the team."

The pair already team up in Northcliffe's scratch league side, where Simon is so far unbeaten this season.

"We need to get our act together a bit if we are to challenge," Martin said. "I think Baildon and West Bradford are clearly the favourites."

Former Yorkshire captain Phil Wood of Keighley had his mind on other things than golf this week as his wife Julie gave birth to their first child.

Georgia Annie, was born at 7pm on Monday. Like her father, she made a late dash for the first tee, having been due on the previous Saturday.

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