Ferguson and Bebb share South Wales title

Joe Ferguson birdied the famous par-five final hole on the Ryder Cup 2010 course at Celtic Manor Resort to share the South Wales PGA Championship with Sion Bebb (Vale Hotel).

Adam Constable (Cardiff), the SWPGA secretary who played alongside Celtic Manor assistant Ferguson in the final group, said: “He played a magnificent bunker shot to within four feet – that was something Rory McIlroy failed to do in the Ryder Cup.

“I had a chat with Jimmy Lee (the chairman of the PGA South West from Caerphilly) about the possibility of a play-off, but apparently historically the trophy has always been shared so we stayed with tradition.”

The joint winners carded two-over-par 73 over a 7,493-yard course that was toughened up to accommodate the professionals, many of whom were playing the spectacular, superbly-presented course for the first time.

Former European Tour player Bebb, who is concentrating on regional golf this year, made one costly mistake when he dropped two shots at the short 13th after ending in the water.

He was out in two-under 34 while Ferguson, who won the birdie sweep with five, carded two over 38 after nine holes.

Former European Open champion Stephen Dodd marred an otherwise superb round with two major blemishes. He recovered magnificently after taking nine at the 610-yard par five second and would have shared top spot but for a double bogey at the last.

He shared third place on 75 with consistent performer Richard Brookman (Creigiau) while Cardiff’s Rhys Davies, who is just back from playing on a mini-tour in the States, was fifth on 77.

Celtic Manor’s director of golf Matt Barnby organised the day and Constable was overjoyed by the treatment afforded to the players. 

He said: “We received five-star service with personalised bag tags, lockers, complimentary balls, shuttle service to the first tee and played a course in fantastic condition on a beautiful day in South Wales.”