MARIAN McBride enjoyed another successful return to her golfing roots as she lifted the Evening Mail Ladies Open alongside Mary Simpson.

The Ulverston pair won the fourball better-ball competition at Furness for the third time in eight years with an excellent all-round display on the testing fairways and greens of the Walney links.

With the course in immaculate condition, and the weather proving kind, McBride and Simpson used all their experience and know-how to emerge as clear winners.

Their winning score of 43 points, was five ahead of fellow Ulverston players Pauline Murray and Joan Myers, who took the runners-up spot for the second year running.

They edged out Furness duo Sally Campbell and Gill Punton on a card play-off.

McBride, 66, who is a former Furness captain, said: “I learnt my golf here years ago and I love coming back to play here. I sometimes wonder ‘why did I ever leave?’

“It’s always great to come back and play here.

“I’d like to thank my partner Mary who played some beautiful golf. The course is in great condition and it was a good day.”

Furness lady captain Val Kirkwood said: “It went very well today, they were good conditions for golfing.

“The green staff have done a very good job and we have been well catered for in the clubhouse.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved in the organizing of the day. It has gone very smoothly which proves it has been well done.”

Now in her fourth stint as lady captain, she added: “I enjoy the role. I’ve been involved in one way or another for over 20 years. We’ve got a very good ladies section and a very good club all-round.”

Evening Mail Furness Open result: 1. McBride and Simpson (Ulverston), 43 points; 2. Murray and Myers (Ulverston), 38 points; 3. Campbell and Punton (Furness). 38 points.