Barrington strikes home at Chipping Sodbury
13/10/2016
Former long-driving champion Paul Barrington beat the home club’s Giuseppe Licata by one shot in the Gloucester and Somerset PGA medal at Chipping Sodbury.
The operator of InPlay golf on the Bristol Harbourside was the only player to the dip under the 70 barrier with a three-under 69 helped by a flurry of birdies coming home.
The trick-shot specialist, who travels the world with his spectacular show, looked an improbable winner after languishing at two-over par after eight holes. But a birdie at the ninth checked his decline and he roared home in four-under 32 with gains at the 12th, 14th, 15th and 17th.
Not only did he claim the first prize, he took the birdie sweep with six and the over 40’s sweep as well.
A massive entry of 38 appeared on a breezy Wednesday morning on the course which hosted the English Seniors County Finals last week.
Teaching pro Licata appreciates his new home course. Having recently lifted the Marston’s Matchplay over the same layout he carded four birdies at the third, 10th, 12th and 18th and just two bogeys in his 70 as the only other player to better par.
He has moved back into the top three of the Total Triumph Order of Merit for the first time this season but he still trails the in-form Ed Goodwin (Cirencester) who was third in level par 72.
Knowle assistant James Jakes featured in fourth alongside Burnham & Berrow head professional David Haines on 73 whilst Order of Merit leader Ashley Mansell (Clevedon) maintained top spot in the points table sharing sixth with Louis Boston (Stockwood Vale) on 74.
