Bell strikes in Enfield qualifier
20/04/2015
Mark Bell (Wyke Hall) carded a level-par 72 at Enfield to finish as the top qualifier for the East Region Bowl.
The assistant professional could even afford a bogey at the last as he won the 55-strong event by a single shot.
On a day where there was a tricky breeze, Bell recorded three birdies to help ensure a smooth path through to the Order of Merit event, which will be held at Colchester on July 22-23.
Thomas Obergan (Berkhamsted), Laurence Allen (Verulam) and Luke Bowers (Lakeside Lodge) all tied for second after shooting 73.
The other big story of the day was Matt Couzens’ hole-in-one at the par-three 14th hole, which kick-started his qualification challenge.
The Bushey Golf and Country Club professional looked set to miss out after dropping four shots in two holes.
But he got himself back on track with the perfect six-iron before parring his way home to make it through with a shot to spare.
Cousens said: “It was the first hole-in-one of my professional career and came more as a relief after a triple and a bogey at the previous two holes.
“I had 169 yards to a back-left pin, wind off the left. It looked good in the air and it was just a case of whether it carried the bunker. But it pitched and rolled in dead-weight.”
In total, 22 qualifiers booked a spot at Colchester.
