Goddard powers to 2023 PGA East region Order of Merit crown

01/09/2023

Luke Goddard claimed back-to-back victories in the East region’s Order of Merit race – thanks to bursting through the tape in thrilling style at The Shire London.

Goddard (Hendon GC) began the fourth and final tournament of the 2023 series in second spot, just behind Sam Forgan (Felixstowe Ferry GC).

On the opening day, he signalled his intentions by firing a five-under-par 67 to draw three shots clear of Forgan, who was tied for third spot. Mark Talbott (Upminster GC) was Goddard’s nearest challenger after an opening 69.

But in fitting fashion it soon became a duel between Goddard and Forgan, who roared out of the blocks on day two.

The Suffolk golfer made gains at three of the first five holes to draw level at the leaderboard summit. But the momentum changed at the ninth where Goddard fizzed a gap wedge to 10 feet before converting for a birdie.

That triggered a purple patch, which included the Londoner lipping out for an albatross from 163 yards at 11.

His eagle there was followed by a birdie at 13 before he drove the green at the 340-yard 15th hole.

Goddard duly two-putted from 22 feet and then picked up another stroke at the following par-5. As Forgan commented, his playing partner’s golf was simply “relentless”.

By the time Goddard boomed another stunning drive down the last hole he was four strokes clear and could pretty much just enjoy the walk.

Ten or so minutes later the duo shook hands on the final green with Goddard’s second successive 67 leaving him at 10-under-par, while Forgan finished off at six-under.

Goddard, 35, said: “It’s always nice to play well when you need it and play well when your back’s a little bit against it, after Sam made a run at me on the front nine.

“But in a way it’s probably good that he did, because then you try and react to that. Probably, having someone there playing well makes you play well.

“I knew that I was playing alright. If you know that, deep down, then you can just be a bit patient and wait for it to come.”

Goddard’s success was the perfect way to retain the Order of Merit crown he claimed 12 months earlier.

The 35-year-old said: “It was a goal I had at the start of the year, to try and win it again. So I’m really pleased.

“I think my game is in the best shape it’s been in, really. If my head is in the right place I’ll back myself to do alright.”

An indication of how well both he and Forgan played was that they were the only two to break par for the 36 holes at the superbly presented Shire London.

Brandon Meads (Billericay Golf Ltd) bagged third spot, while a share of sixth place was enough for Talbott to join Goddard and Forgan in landing a berth in next year’s PGA Play-Offs in Cyprus.