Course record for new Kent champion

Paul Sherman shot a new course record 63 around Littlestone to win The PGA in Kent Championship, supported by Shepherd Neame, by no less than six strokes.

Sherman’s birdie and eagle barrage added up to a terrific 134, leaving the lunchtime leader Nicholas Olson (Chart Hills) six shots behind on a total of 140, while Sherman walked off with the championship title. Mark Belsham was third with a level-par 142, while local man and PGA in Kent Order of Merit leader Charlie Wilson shared fourth place with Jeff Matthews (Great Chart).

One-over-par after seven holes in the morning round, Sherman, who was celebrating the completion of his first year as the head PGA Professional at Langley Park, finished with a level-par 71.

Going into the afternoon playing conditions were ideal and being only three shots behind the early leader Olson, Sherman knew there were opportunities to make a move on the lead around the Open qualifying course.

He nailed a birdie putt on the second, and then made another two in quick succession at the next two holes to reach three-under. He eagled the fifth, parred the next and then chipped in for another eagle on the seventh to find himself seven-under-par after seven holes.

A smooth run of pars followed around the championship course, but then a stumble at the 16^th left Sherman six-under with two holes left to play. Still a long way out in front, the Kent star proceeded to birdie both of these on his way to an amazing eight-under-par 63 and a new professional course record.

“I was just plodding round for the first 19 holes and then a birdie putt went in, then another and so on, then a chip and suddenly things were looking pretty good,” explained Sherman. “But then of course there was a bit more pressure on the next few holes!”

He continued: “I was playing well enough, nothing outrageous, but I did enjoy a strong finish over the last couple of holes. Littlestone was in fantastic condition, met all our expectations, and was a joy to play in fine weather that was one or two clubs’ worth of breeze.”

“Anyway, it was very nice to play one of the best courses in Kent, and come back home to the office with rather more money than I’d started with!”