Bullen battles to win at The Berkshire
24/02/2020
PGA Play-Offs winner Michael Bullen (Rustington Golf Centre) sets the pace again with a win in the Titleist & FootJoy Winter Series at The Berkshire Golf Club.
The PGA South region's Player of the Year carried on his fine form in 2019 shooting a bogey free 41 points around The Berkshire’s Red course for the £450 winner’s cheque.
Bullen’s flawless performance left Lee-on-the-Solent’s James Ablett in the runner up spot on 39 points and the trio of Studley Wood’s Maria Tulley, Effingham’s James Johnson, and Wexham Park’s Craig Ainsley trailing on 38.
Starting on the 12th, Bullen hit top gear with four birdies at the three par fives 13th, 15th, 17th and another at the 18th. He followed that with 10 pars before a final birdie flourish at his last hole, the 11th.
Delighted with his winning performance, Bullen said: “We were all very lucky to play at all, given the recent weather but The Berkshire was in great shape, all things considered, and we’re all very appreciative of the club’s efforts and willingness to let us play.”
He added: “I made the most of the opportunity and did well to keep the card clean of any dropped shots. It’s a nice way to open my account for the 2020 schedule.”
Reflecting the conditions, Ablett, who now leads the Titleist & FootJoy Winter Series rankings, made five birdies but dropped two shots for his 39 points, while in the trailing pack WPGA Cup Team Member, Tulley, had a tidy four-under-par front nine and a back nine that included an eagle at the 13th and four bogeys.
Home hero Joe Stevens was the lucky Trainee who picked up the Leading Assistant’s prize of the ball, glove and shoe contract with sponsor Titleist & FootJoy. The next event of the Winter Series is on Monday 2 March at The London’s International course.
