Cort wins Pebble Beach thriller

Former Midlands Region No. 1 and Beedles Lake professional Matt Cort recorded a thrilling win in The American Golf Holiday’s prestigious Pro-Am Tour at Pebble Beach which boasts play on three of golf’s finest courses - Spyglass Hill, The Links at Spanish Bay, and the world-famous Pebble Beach Golf Links.

This year’s event saw competitors from Germany, South Africa, Australia and the UK compete against the scenic backdrop of California’s stunning Monterey Peninsula, which fully lived up to its billing of the greatest meeting of land and sea, as well as golf, in the world.

After a practice round at the Links at Spanish Bay all the competitors enjoyed a Wine Tasting showcasing local California wines in the Stave Wine Cellar at The Inn at Spanish Bay.  The atmospheric setting made for a highly sociable meet the teams event.

Former European Tour Professional James Ruth, who represents China Fleet Country Club, took the first round lead with a superb 70 at Spyglass Hill.  Matt Cort was two shots back, and another former European Tour player Garry Houston was a shot back in third.

A superb second round 68 at The Links at Spanish Bay would see Cort tie Ruth for the lead and set up an exciting finish at Pebble Beach Golf Links, the iconic California course which will stage next year's US Open Championship.

In a thrilling final round duel both Cort and Ruth would shoot under par, and despite a late birdie at 17, Ruth was unable to birdie the par five 18th to match Cort's score of 68, for an eight under par total.  Garry Houston finished third.

In the team event, former caddie turned South African PGA member Mick Hough would lead his team of Trevor Stead, Warren Stirrat & Phillip Hutchison to a 7 shot victory over Garry Houston's team, with Matt Cort's team two shots back in third.  In his caddying days Hough caddied for Miguel Angel Jiminez at the 2010 US Open at Pebble Beach, and he was delighted to be able to return to the US Open venue and compete as a player on The Pro-Am Tour.

In addition to the 54-hole Pro-Am a separate Challenge Day was held at Pebble Beach Golf Links where James Ruth would shoot a 68 (40 points).  Jason Kelly was two points back in second.

At the Prizegiving Reception and Dinner overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Matt Cort thanked Pro-Am Tour organisers John & Alison Hooper for running another excellent event at one of the finest golfing venues in America. Cort also thanked all the amateur golfers for supporting The Pro-Am Tour events, and for giving professional golfers the opportunity to compete at world class venues that they would normally only dream about playing.

Once again the event received rave reviews from all the competitors with many stating that it was the finest golfing week of their lives.

Competitors enjoyed evenings out in the numerous high quality dining establishments within the Pebble Beach Resort and the nearby towns of Carmel & Monterey. Several teams dined in the famous and very popular Mission Ranch Restaurant in Carmel which is owned by legendary movie star Clint Eastwood.

The 2019 Pro-Am Tour at Pebble Beach will be held just two weeks in advance of when Pebble Beach next hosts The US Open in its centenary year! The tournament organisers are already reporting strong interest in this event and early booking is highly recommended.

The Pro-Am Tour at Pebble Beach is just one event on The Pro-Am Tour, organised by The American Golf Holiday, which offers tournament holidays including: The Arizona Classic Pro-Am, The California Classic Pro-Am, The Scottsdale Classic Pro-Am, The Sawgrass Classic Pro-Am, Pinehurst Classic Pro-Am, plus golf packages including admission to The US Masters at Augusta, The Players Championship, and The Ryder Cup. 

Further information can be obtained from The American Golf Holiday, Tel. 023 8046 5885, or see their website at www.pro-amtour.com