Dearden back in the winner’s circle again

Matt Dearden won his first PGA in England (South West) event for more than two years in the West Wilts 125th Anniversary pro-am at the hill-top Wiltshire course overlooking Warminster.  

On a bright day when swirling winds made scoring more difficult than usual, the Cardiff player, whose last win was in the Total Triumph Classic at Oake Manor, played steadily all day.

Birdies at the second, third and sixth provided a perfect start. Although he dropped his only shot at the seventh, a succession of pars punctuated by further birdies at the 11th and 14th meant his three-under-par 65 brought a one-shot win over promising Wiltshire player Dan Carter (Upavon).

Carter, who came close to winning the Players Championship at Cumberwell Park, made six birdies, including two on the final two holes, to hold the lead for hours.

Sion Bebb (Morlais Castle) made five birdies in a 68 to claim third, one better than James Ruth (China Fleet), Danny White (Players Club) and Richard O’Hanlon (St Kew), the only other players to match or beat par on a day of wind-induced errors.

Home professional Lawrence Wilkin birdied the final two holes to snatch a share of seventh on 71 with Giuseppe Licata (Chipping Sodbury).

It was a remarkable performance from a club professional who never plays competitively more than twice a year.

He also featured in the team awards, finishing third on 13-under-par alongside his club captain Walter Witts, Guy Betterworth and Mike Oram. Carter’s team of West Wilts members Elliott James, Rupert Williams and Ryan Hughes were a shot better in second with Ruth leading Dave Webb, Matt Webb and Andy Cahill, representing the main sponsor Webbs Motorhomes, also on 124, winning on countback.

The PGA presented the club with a special glass trophy to mark the 125th anniversary and this was presented to Dearden by club captain Walter Witts.