Hatchford triumph seals the deal for Evans

Wishaw's Christopher Evans produced the goods when it mattered with a near flawless performance at Hatchford Brook to become the 2014 PGA in England (Midlands) Assistants’ Order of Merit Champion.

The Birmingham venue was hosting its first major professional event, the seventh and final round of the assistant's season.

Evans had started the event in third place in the table, hot on the heels of leaders Alec Smith (Trentham Park) and Matthew Whelband (Park Hill). By the time he finally conceded his first bogey at Hatchford on his 33^rd hole of the day, he had assumed command of both the event and the overall title thanks to a pair of superb rounds neatly dotted with timely birdies.

A 66 in the morning round was followed by a 68 in the afternoon as Evans finished six-under-par, keeping his nerves and rivals in check to claim the crown.

Of his nearest challengers Whelband faded out of contention, his five-over-par total dropped him to third in the final Order of Merit. Smith though stayed in touch for the majority of the day, an early eagle during round two moved him to four-under and just two behind but he was unable to improve on that mark, settling for the runners up spot at both Hatchford and in the overall standings.

He shared second place on the day with Chris Freeman and Andrew Jones, both had their moments challenging at the top during afternoon rounds of 66 and 67 respectively.

However it was Evans day, and he's now turning his attention to the main PGA in England (Midlands) Order of Merit title, to be concluded at Shifnal on September 23rd. Although a double triumph is a little unlikely with him currently lying fifth, it isn't totally out of the question and Evans is excited at the prospect.

“If I can take this form into Shifnal and perform solidly there as well anything could happen” he stated, “to put myself in with a chance going into the last round is the target, they are all great players ahead of me in the standings but who knows what a bit of pressure might do.”