Blunden’s Shanklin & Sandown stunner

Chris Blunden warmed up for the PGA in Hampshire Open Championship, sponsored by Be Wiser Insurance, with a stunning five-shot victory in the Shanklin & Sandown Golf Club Pro-Am, writes Ken Gaunt.

His first win of The PGA in Hampshire 2018 schedule, it was a productive trip to the Isle of Wight for the PGA Professional from Sandford Springs, who has been in good form of late.

Blunden had work to do after posting a one over par 71 in the morning. But he responded in style after lunch with a seven under 63. His total of 134 pushed Portsmouth Golf Centre’s Rob Edwards (72, 67) into second place on 139 while Simon Hayward of Westbridge (75-65) came third on 140.

Blunden, who reached final qualifying for the Open at Carnoustie, will be keen to do well in the PGA in Hampshire version and win a major on the circuit for a second successive year.

He is the current matchplay champion but knows he faces a stiff test at Hayling Island over 36 holes with top amateurs joining the pros. Jon Barnes (Lee-on-Solent) will be out to retain his title while Corhampton’s Adam Reid, who finished 16th in the recent English PGA Championship, would expect to be in contention.