GREENKEEPER and golfer Richie Hood was not to be bunkered by a challenge designed as a test of his accuracy and stamina.

The head greenkeeper and club champion at Durham's Mount Oswald course surprised himself by completing his target of hitting 50 shots into a bunker from 100-yards, well within the hour time limit.

Richie expected to need the full hour, if he could achieve at least three shots a minute on the course's practice area.

But he soon got into his rhythm and shot at a far faster rate, helping him to bunker his 50th ball with half-an-hour to spare.

Richie's efforts will help to send two junior Mount Oswald members on an African aid adventure next year.

Anthony Kerry, 15, and 16-year-old Richard Porter are among a party from Durham Johnston School heading on a four-week trip of a lifetime to Namibia in July 2002.

But they need to raise £2,500 each towards the costs of the expedition.

Richie's golfing prowess is expected to help to bring them another £250 closer to their target.