Ferguson tames Raglan Parc

Joe Ferguson was the only player to break par in the 21^st anniversary pro-am at Raglan Parc, the Monmouthshire course close to his home base at Celtic Manor.

His impressive two-under 70 brought a three-stroke win over Robert Jackson (Machynys Peninsula) and Richard Dinsdale (Parc Golf Academy).

The players found the 6,600-yard lay-out tougher than expected although the predicted rain held off.

“It’s not an easy track and plays long off the back tees when it’s windy and I tucked two or three pins away to make it more difficult,” said home professional Chris Murphy who organised the club’s first-ever pro-am.

“Everything ran smoothly and the players were complementary about the course and the greens. It was a one-off but afterwards a lot of people said they enjoyed it so much they want to make it an annual event.”

He played well himself and after dropping three shots in the first eight holes recovered with two birdies in the final three to take fourth place on 74.

Ferguson, who played on the Europro Tour while attached to the Worcester Golf and Country Club, won for the first time this season. 

He made an eagle on the 509-yard third and added four birdies and four bogeys.

Dinsdale made a lightning start with three successive birdies but followed with four bogeys as he failed to gain another shot. Jackson’s best-ever finish was built on the day’s steadiest round. He made two birdies and three bogeys.

Ferguson led a home team of Terry Davies, Gareth Dalgleish and Guy Greening to success on 81 points.

Steffan Jones (Machynys Peninsula) headed the Steppes Farm trio of Peter Morris, Jay DeCloedt and Andrew Kenyon into second on 80. Liam Bond (Marriott St Pierre) piloted main sponsor Frank Sutton’s team of Billy Tew and Ruben Collins into third place on 79.