Adams wins duel in the sun to set personal best

Swanmore Golf Centre’s Martin Adams chalked up his third victory in The PGA in Hampshire 2016 season for the first time by defeating Michael Lord (New Forest), winning one up in the Oxford Brasserie Matchplay Championship held at Corhampton Golf Club, writes Ken Gaunt.

This win puts the 29 year old PGA Assistant Professional back at the top of the PGA in Hampshire Order of Merit, as he commented: “I am progressing year on year and becoming more consistent , which is what I want.”

Adams and Lord shared 11 birdies in a high-quality duel after coming through a stroke play qualifier and three rounds of match play in the space of two days in sweltering conditions at Corhampton.

Adams was one up through nine but Lord recovered to square the match at the 15th. The 17th proved crucial, however, with Adams winning it with a par and then halving the 18th to seal it. It was his second title in three years, and he defeated last season’s champion Phil Bryden by five and four in the semi-final, leaving him elated and exhausted.

Adams said:  “It was really tough as they were proper summer days, really hot. I got off to a bad start against Michael as well, losing my ball at the first and the hole. It was the first time I had fallen behind. Before the final I had never played the last four holes, so it was a different challenge.

“Match play suits my game and so does the Corhampton course. I tend to be a bit more conservative when it comes to Pro-Ams.  Now I am keen to build on this result.” He will get that chance tomorrow and Friday chance when he plays in the PGA in Hampshire 36 hole Short Course Championship at Ampfield and then in the Brockenhurst Pro-Am.

Adams added: “Getting another win this week would be brilliant but playing seven rounds in the space of a few days is a challenge in itself.”