Barnes wins Brokenhurst Manor Pro-Am

Jon Barnes warmed up for the PGA in Hampshire Strokeplay Championship, sponsored by Be Wiser Insurance, with a two-shot win in the Brokenhurst Manor Golf Club Pro-Am, writes Ken Gaunt.

It was the experienced professional’s first victory of the season and came after a late charge from local hero Ryan Hamer of the host club. Barnes, who won the PGA in Hampshire Order of Merit last season, posted a two-under par 68 thanks to five birdies at the New Forest course.

Hamer struggled on the front nine but rallied down the stretch, picking up four shots in his final four holes, with Oak Park’s Tom Hutchings a shot further behind on 71.

A strong field will contest the Strokeplay Championship at the Army GC  on Wednesday with Adam Hickling looking to retain his title. Shaun Hall, Lee Nother and Gary Stubbington, the top three in the current Order of Merit, are all taking part in the second major of the PGA in Hampshire season.

So too is Martin Adams, who received a boost to his confidence when he defeated Stubbington last month in the final of the Matchplay Championship.

The event is run in conjunction with the Hampshire Patrons 45th Young Pros Championship, which Hickling also won last year.

In the team event, Josh Stock and Dominic Knight led their respective teams of club amateurs to a shared victory with 82 points each.