Dykes erases memory of near miss in Asbri Welsh National PGA Championship

17/09/2020

Tim Dykes kept his cool in the autumnal sunshine to turn the tables on defending champion Mark Pilkington by winning the Asbri Welsh National PGA Championship at Cardiff Golf Club.

Dykes, who is attached to Penrith Golf Club in Cumbria, finished tied-third three shots behind Pilkington at Conwy Golf Club 13 months ago.

But in a tournament that looked destined to be settled by a three-way play-off involving Dykes, Pilkington and Richard James, the former held his nerve to post a two-under-par total of 138 for the 36-holes and claim the £1,500 winner’s cheque.

Each member of the trio had been on two-under with three or four holes to play and, in completing his round first, Dykes was left to fret as to how his rivals were performing. In the event, any worrying was unnecessary.

Pilkington faltered with a bogey at 17 before following suit at the par-three 18^th to finish tied-third on level par with two former champions, Toby Hunt and Sion Bebb, winner of the Seniors competition.

Meanwhile James, the overnight leader on three-under, was unable to make amends for a bogey at 16 and had to settle for the runner’s up berth a shot behind Dykes.

Given that he was two-over for the tournament after seven holes of the second round, that represented a remarkable recovery.

It was also a well-rewarded one for the 29-year-old who represents Aberdovey Golf Club insomuch that he earned £1,200 for finishing second and an additional £350 as the leading PGA Assistant.

In terms of cash, that was more than Dykes collected but he has the satisfaction of adding his name to a list of winners that includes the 1991 Masters champion Ian Woosnam.

“As a proud Welshman I’m delighted to win this,” said Dykes, a 39-year-old who, in terms of becoming a PGA Professional, was something of a late starter.

Having enjoyed a successful spell as an amateur representing Wales on numerous occasions, he turned pro in 2006 and gained his PGA qualification three years ago.

Reflecting on life as a PGA pro, he added: “I really enjoy the coaching side and making a difference to peoples’ games.

“But I still enjoy playing and to win this makes up for last year when I just came up a couple of shots short when Pilky won it, so it’s great to come through today.

“The course played fantastically well, the greens were quick, the wind got up so it was a tough day.

“It did look as there would be a play-off at one stage but I stuck in there and kept it going. I’m very happy.”

Leading scores: T Dykes (Penrith Golf Club) 138 (-2); R James (Aberdovey Golf Club 139 (-1); M Pilkington (Porthmadog Golf Club), T Hunt (St Mellons Golf Club), S Bebb (Morlais Castle Golf Club 140 (level par).

A full list of scores can be accessed here