Ford finds top gear in landing bumper pay-out at Bearwood Lakes
18/08/2020
Matt Ford delivered a display in keeping with the lucrative prize on offer in winning the Westcoast Pro-Am at Bearwood Lakes.
Ford posted a bogey-free round of seven-under-par to claim the £13,000 winner’s cheque, an amount understood to be the biggest prize available to professionals in UK pro-ams.
His rewards for a spectacular day’s work did not end there, however. The 42-year-old who represents CK Golf also earned a share of the £2,000 up for grabs for recording the most eagles and birdies.
Ford had begun his round at the 10th tee and it was an eagle at his 11th hole, the par-five second, that lit the blue touch paper.
Two-under prior to the “nice drive, hybrid to about 20-feet, and putt” that resulted in the eagle, Ford followed up with birdies at five, six and eight to amass 43 Stableford points and finish two clear of the field.
Somewhat larger was the disparity in earnings up for grabs in the event that, sponsored by Westcoast and supported by Tag Heuer and Mizuno, carried a £25,000 prize fund.
Sedlescombe Golf Club’s Paul Nessling and Zak Morgan of Rochester and Cobham Golf Club each collected for £1,875 for finishing tied-second.
In addition to repelling the challenge from a strong field that comprised 52 teams featuring a PGA pro and three amateurs from all over the country, Ford had to cope with a weather delay.
“Heavy rain and the threat of lightning held us up for an hour, so it wasn’t the easiest of conditions,” he explained.
“As for my round, I started off quite slowly. I was level par after six holes despite giving myself a few opportunities and wasting them but the eagle really kick-started things.”
Although Mother Nature’s influence resulted in tricky conditions, Ford had no complaints about the venue.
“The course was amazing,” he added. “It’s probably the most grass I’ve seen on the fairways this summer. They’ve built a reservoir recently and that’s allowed them to water the fairways and keep the course in great condition.”
Meanwhile the team event was won by Thorpe Hall Golf Club’s Mark Talbott and his trio of amateurs with a total of 92 points.
Full scores can be accessed here
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