Cipa’s John O’Gaunt success
20/05/2014
Steve Cipa (South Essex Golf Centre) warmed up for his appearance in the ISPS Handa PGA Seniors Championship with a narrow triumph in the John O’Gaunt Pro-Am.
Cipa emerged successful from a strong field of 51 professionals after shooting a fine three-under-par 68 on a day when only three players managed to break par.
For much of the afternoon, it looked as if George Howard (Brampton Park Golf Centre) and Mark Stokes (Rayleigh Golf Range) would share the spoils, having both carded respective rounds of 69.
But Cipa, who was one of the last to tee off, conjured up a strong finish to edge the pair out by a shot.
He was in touch at the half-way point in his round, reaching the turn in level-par on a breezy day. He birdied the par-four 11th to grab a share of the lead before completing the job in style.
Cipa secured back-to-back birdies at the 16th and 17th, before claiming a par at the last to secure the £1,650 first prize.
The victory continued what is already turning out to be a successful season. Cipa, a regular on the European Seniors Tour since 2010, ensured he has full playing rights on the circuit again in 2014 by coming second to Andrew Murray at the Qualifying School, staged in Portugal in February.
From June 5-8, the 54-year-old will be competing against the cream of European Seniors Tour golf at Stoke-by-Nayland in the ISPS Handa PGA Seniors Championship – a tournament in which he has previously performed well, having two top-10 finishes to his name.
