Press Release
Men’s County Amateur Championship at Stinchcombe Hill Golf Club 21/22 May 2011
The first round of the men's county championship opened at 7.40 am in bright sunshine & a light breeze with the golf links of Stinchcombe looking at their best. Within the hour however, the breeze grew stronger making it very difficult to control the ball on the firm, fast greens. Home player Andy Green came in with a good score of 70 in the first round to set the benchmark & show what could be done. This was closely followed by six scores of 69 including, Tyler Hogarty of Rodway Hill, Alex Palomeque (Kendleshire), Olly Glaze (Kendleshire) & Jake Phillips of Brickhampton Court. Oscar Sharpe (Minchinhampton) & Brad Selwood (Knowle) also returned good scores of 70.
The wind got much stronger in the afternoon for round two, making scoring much more difficult, at least until Nigel Thompson (Brickhampton Court) returned an unbelievable score of 64 to go with his morning round of 74 making his aggregate 138. Not to be outdone on his home course, Tom Workman returned a great 65 to go with his morning 76 making a two round score of 141. Brad Selwood from Knowle returned two very consistent 70’s for a 140 & last man in, Tyler Hogarty, added a terrific 68 to go with his first round 69 to lead the tournament at the half way stage. The cut came at 149 leaving 32 players to battle out the final two rounds.
Sunday morning greeted the 32 qualifying players with driving 30-40 mph winds & rain to set up a real challenge & it was obvious from the start that the scores were going to be higher in the very difficult conditions but with selection to represent Gloucestershire at South West Week, Saunton, taking place after the tournament, the leaders would need full concentration to impress the selectors. It all started slowly in the third round with the weather getting the better of the players until the defending champion, Nick Day, exploded into life with a fantastic score of 67 in the most difficult conditions imaginable. Tom Workman stayed in touch with a 73 as did young Sam Morgan of Knowle with a very good 71.
The fourth & final round started with the high winds settling down a little & the rain stopped so the players knew they had to play with full concentration because any one of 10 players had a chance to win the famous 95 year old trophy. In the leading group Nigel Thompson returned a solid 71 to set the clubhouse lead before being overtaken by the two youngsters, Sam Payne (Shirehampton Park) & Sam Morgan (Knowle) with excellent scores of 72 & 71. Tyler Hogarty then produced another great round of 69, his third of the series to set the big challenge. Nick Day finished with a birdie 4 to show that he would not give up his crown easily & set the new target at 282.
A large crowd was gathering to see if Workman could bring the trophy to Stinchcombe Hill Golf Club, he did not disappoint, playing an immaculate final round of 67 to finish on 281 and take the coveted crown with a fine birdie at the final hole to rapturous applause from the home supporters.
County Secretary, Ian Watkins said, 'This was a most exciting championship played on a classic Gloucestershire hillside links that had been set as tough but fair. The Greens Staff had prepared the course beautifully & justified holding the GGU Mens County Championship for the 13th time in their history, a fabulous & well deserved record for a wonderful golf course.'
More info from Ian Watkins 01242 621476
Full results below. For players pictures use this link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/twardpress/sets/72157626661592573/
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