First win for Brookman at Exeter
08/09/2014
Richard Brookman won his first PGA in England and Wales (South West) event with a four-under-par round of 65 at Exeter, but had to share with Paul Hendriksen (Dinnaton) and the in-form Richard O’Hanlon (St Kew).
Yet he threatened to record a runaway victory after a brilliant start.
He stood on the 14th tee at six-under-par after a flurry of birdies, making five in a front nine of 30.
But then it went slightly awry. He said: “I drove into a trap at 14 and then found the next trap as well so dropped a shot. I made another bogey at the next. I was looking for birdie at the par five last but left my four-iron short and failed to pitch close enough to make the putt.”
But this represented the best achievement by the former Welsh amateur star who played in the same international team as new Ryder Cup man Jamie Donaldson.
Hendriksen posted the early score with birdies at the first, 11th, 13th, 16th and 18th with an eagle at the driveable par-four 14th and three dropped shots.
O’Hanlon, who is on fire, loves the Exeter Country Club course. He won outright last year after previously finishing third and second. He made birdies at the third and 12th and an eagle at the 13th after dropping his only shot on the par three tenth. He finished with two successive birdies.
In a typical low-scoring day in perfect weather when 17 players equalled or bettered par Adam Frayne (Yelverton), Kevin Harper (Sidmouth), Stuart Disney (Padbrook Park), Ross Whitelock (St Mellion) and Michael Watson (Wessex Golf Centre) shared fourth one shot behind.
The John and June Thomsitt-sponsored team of home assistant Mark Taylor with Jack Pope, Joshua Money and Grace Jackson won the team event on 18-under-par 120.
James Ruth (China Fleet) led the Jordans - Jack Jordan, Dean Jordan and Luke Crocker - who were second on countback.
Hendriksen’s Benisa Planning team of Martin Pitcher, David Hancock and James Delve were third on 122.
A cheque for £4,000 was handed to the Exeter Leukaemia Fund.
