Four Winter Series winners at Prince’s

The PGA South Winter Series with Titleist & FootJoy opened the 2019 schedule with two back-to-back events down in Kent at Prince’s.

The first of the two rounds was played over the reimagined Himalayas-Shore layout and Lee-on-the-Solent’s James Ablett was the day’s top scorer with 44 points.

With four birdies on each nine, Ablett had an immaculate round in glorious, if chilly, sunshine to take home his cheque for £400, but he was pushed all the way by the duo of Prince’s own Jordan Loft and Leatherhead’s Michael Lowe, who both finished with 43 points. Loft also claimed the leading Trainee’s ball, glove and shoe contract from sponsor.

Day two saw the challenge of the Shore-Dunes combination in less glorious weather, but three players still managed to notch up 41 points: Richard Wallis (Canterbury), Warren Harmston (Sunningdale Heath) and Peter Tarver-Jones (West Hove). Each player went home with £375 each, and Harmston also picked up the highly prized ball, glove and shoe contract.

Ablett, whose second day ended with a share of fourth place on 39 points, commented: “Prince’s was in magnificent condition, and it such a great place to play in the winter, although the snow on the second day wasn’t ideal. It’s a great way to open up for 2019 and I look forward to coming back for the Prince’s 27, PGA Kent Open Championship and PGA Sandwich Links Championship Pro-Am later in the year.”