UK Senior Golf Association
Wilkinson wins at Wonderful Aldeburgh
Our visit to Aldeburgh this time was in the Autumn rather than a usual Spring event. This enabled the new layout to bed in and be tested by the UKSGA best. And what a treat it was - the new holes blending in like they had always been there, yet at 6500 yards from the whites with a par of 70 it remains a true test.
The weather was fine - cloudy but little breeze meaning those who had sufficient length from the tee could certainly score well. Five players posted 3 over 73's in round one but Les Bruckner took a one shot lead into day two with his 72. After dropping three shots in his first 4 holes he played the remaining 14 holes in 1 under par - mastering the new holes and hitting a birdie on the 12th despite a sneaky front pin.
Scores for round two were better. Rob Andrew's 71 posted early looked to be the event's best to move up the leaderboard and Keith Morris carded a 72 soon after in a round that included 4 birdies. But more was to come from our long hitters. Paul Wilkinson started his second round with a birdie at the first hole and picked up three others along the way. He and Mike White (West Wilts GC) both carded level par 70's in round 2, and, although Paul dropped a shot at the last, he had done enough to hang on and win by one shot with a 3 over total of 143 and claim his gold medal which he collected form National Secretary John Hemphrey.
Mike White would have been disappointed with a double bogey the 18th hole on day one but his superb second round 70 won him the silver medal and another bumper load of OOM points. With Stewart Dalgarno sitting this one out, it takes Mike to the top of the pile in the main OOM. Mike has achieved 5 top three finishes this year in his 6 outings as he surely heads for his spot in next year's team for Europe.
Adrian Allen (Belton Park GC) picks up a bronze medal with his 147 total nudging out Les Bruckner by one shot.
Les Bruckner (Hindhead) did pick up the win and the crystal for the Super Seniors for his 148 total just pipping Keith Morris (Camberley GC) into 2nd spot. Keith picks up the crystal for the Masters section with his 151 total.
Our net prize winner (with 5 under Paul Wilkinson already recognized) was our very own President Nigel Hilliard (Aldeburgh) who, with his local knowledge, not least of the 3 new holes, shot a 3 under total of 137.
Our thanks, as usual, must go to Secretary David Wybar and his team for looking after us and accommodating us late season when the new layout remains so new. And to the members for giving it all up for us for the two days.
Next - and finally - we head for Trevose to close the season in traditional style. There are still a few spots available for those on the fringe of selection for European spots - its never too late!
Click HERE for the full results from Aldeburgh.
Click HERE for the latest OOM standings with just one event to go.
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