The Gent’s competition season at Melton Mowbray Golf Club came to a thrilling conclusion on the world famous Hotchkin Course at Woodhall Spa on Saturday 21st October.
The Race to Woodhall Spa (RWS) competion saw Ian and Geoff Townsend, Kevin Robertson, Ray Catton and David Taylor join Order of Merit leader, Sam Pollard, in the final after qualifying from the shoot out competition. In perfect playing conditions, the competitors played a Stableford format and enjoyed a formidable test of their golf. Nerves played a big part over the early holes and the leader board was tightly packed at the turn. Kevin on 16 led by a single point from Sam and Ian.
Sam Pollard, playing off scratch, then birdied the 11th and 14th to take the lead before a bogey on the 15th pulled him back. On the 17th tee, Sam, Kevin and Ian were all on 30 points – the closest scoring in the lead up to the finishing holes in the 5 year history of the competition. Unfortunately, Kevin hit trouble in the bunker on this hole to fall out of contention. A brilliant birdie from Ian gave him the lead with one hole to go. In yet another twist, he fell back on the 18th allowing Sam to even the score – meaning both were tied on 34 points.
A sudden death play off was needed to decide the 2018 Champion and Ian’s par on the first allowed him to collect this accolade. He is the fifth different player to win in the five years – what a terrific finish to a great season. Congratulations to all.
Club Captain, Glenn Price , presents the RWS trophy to Ian Townsend.