Brave Hart

Michael Hart (Nevill) took a big step up in his professional career by winning The London Golf Club Pro-Am with a hard fought one-under-par 71 for his maiden victory.

Taking his first winner’s cheque for £750, Hart pushed James Marshall (Westerham) into second spot after Marshall scored four birdies, two bogeys and a double bogey to card an even par 72.

Paul Stuart (London), Matthew Johns (Royal Blackheath), Daniel Young (Woldingham) and PGA Cup player Benn Barham (King’s Hill) finished in third place with their one-over-par 73s.

Surprised that no-one managed to catch or overtake him, Hart was able to reflect on his experience. “Starting at the 13^th, and knowing the next six holes were probably going to be the toughest of the round, I birdied the 15^th and then promptly gave it back at the 16^th after misjudging my iron to the green and taking three to hole out,” he said.

“Then down the 18^th with water all the way down the left I baled out right and finished in the hay. I chipped out, got my third on to the green short left to then three putt.

“I’d normally have got a bit despondent, but I told myself to stay focused. Besides, it was a nice day, lovely weather, I was playing with some nice blokes, and more importantly I had twelve holes to put things right.”

Hart did exactly that, with three pars on the first, second and third, and then two back-to-back birdies at the fourth and fifth to get back to even par. Three more pars followed and then Hart made a terrific birdie three at the ninth to go under par for the second time.

With two holes left, Hart was determined to stay under par, and made two solid pars to finish on one-under-par 71. “I didn’t let the bad shots affect me,” he said, “and I felt all the work I’d been doing with some tips from Jamie Spence (Nevill) on my short game would pay off.”

Hart added: “I’m working hard in the shop most of the time, but trying to practise whenever I can. This win is the best encouragement I could have had to practice harder, and stay focused.”