Ablett and Watts share Royal Links crown

Lee-on-the-Solent’s James Ablett and Kingsway Golf Centre’s James Watts both shot four-under-par totals to win the unique three round PGA Royal Links Championship Pro-Am, supported by Callaway and Shepherd Neame, to take home £958 each.

As Ablett put it: “This event’s such good fun after a long season, but these three courses are among the toughest links courses in the UK, so you’re not really allowed to relax! Each course was in amazing condition and it’s great to wind up 2018 on a high.”

Tying one of the last events of the season has left both players on five wins apiece to date, and their performances edged Canterbury’s Richard Wallis into the runner up spot for £700.

Day One at Royal St. George’s saw Watts and Wallis tie on two-under, the only other player under par being Prince’s Anthony Tarchetti.

Day Two at Prince’s saw both Watts and Wallis nudged into third spot, this time by new Prince’s man Jordan Loft who shot a superb five-under round of 67, while Ablett delivered a fine 68.

Day Three at Deal’s Royal Cinque Ports saw three players sharing the best round of the day - Ablett, Tom Fleming from Donnington Groves, and Daniel Field from East Herts, each shooting even par cards of 71.

In a strange twist of fate, both Watts and Ablett managed to drop three strokes on the same holes, the 15th and 16th, but with Wallis only managing a 74, they still had enough strokes in hand to get home for the win.

In the team event, Lofty’s Loafers romped home over the three rounds with -33, finishing two ahead of the East Herts II team.