Archer on target in PGA North Region Championship

21/08/2020

Former European Tour player Phillip Archer held his nerve to win the PGA North Region Championship at Pleasington Golf Club, Lancashire.

Archer, who represents Poulton Park Golf Club, set the standard in the first round of the 36-hole tournament with a five-under-par return of 66.

That left him a shot clear of his closest pursuers, Ormskirk Golf Club’s David Shacklady and Tim Ford of Liverpool Golf Centre and Driving Range.

Both challengers faltered on day two, however. Shacklady, a Staysure Tour winner, kept in contention on the front nine, reaching the turn in five-under to trail Archer by two shots.

But his round imploded with bogeys at 10 and 11 and a triple at 13. As a result, he finished tied-fourth with Ford who experienced a rollercoaster front nine that featured four bogeys and as many birdies.

Meanwhile Snainton Golf Centre’s Alex Belt and Peter Scott of Southport and Ainsdale Golf Club emerged as the biggest threat to Archer’s chances of claiming the trophy and £2,000 first prize.

Belt, three-under-par after day one, was level with Archer on seven-under after 27 holes but his challenge faltered with bogeys at 10 and 12 and a double at 14.

All of which resulted in a one-under-par total of 70 that left him in second place, a shot behind Archer and one clear of Scott who, level-par on day, posted the best round of the day to finish on three-under.

Despite having to settle for the runner’s up berth, Belt shares leadership of the Order of Merit with Southport and Ainsdale Golf Club’s Sean Towndrow.

After two of the three event series the pair are on 385 points, 15 ahead of Renishaw Park Golf Club’s Michael Ramsden.

Full scores can be accessed here