Hooper triumphs at Thorndon Park

Mark Hooper’s season of high achievement continued at Thorndon Park where he registered his fourth victory on the 2014 PGA in England (East) schedule.

Hooper, who also enjoyed such a fine week against golf’s superstars at the BMW PGA Championship, took the Thorndon Park Invitational Pro-Am by a shot from his old friend and rival Jason Levermore (Channels).

The Rayleigh Club shot a three-under-par 68, dropping just one shot on a glorious day at the Essex event.

Hooper reached the turn in one-under after a birdie at the par-four sixth.  He made further progress, picking up shots at the 11^th and 13 before his sole blip arrived at the par-three 15^th.

But last year’s Order of Merit winner showed his class and durability as he bounced back with a birdie at the long 16^th.

Playing in the group behind Levermore, he closed out with back-to-back pars to secure yet another success. John Judd (Hartswood) was the only other player to break par, finishing third after a one-under 70.

Andrew Pestell (Chelmsford) looked as if he’d challenge after a superb front nine that saw him turn in four-under. But he recorded four sixes – including one at a par-three – down the stretch and slipped to tied-18^th.

Craig Laurence (Stock Brook Manor) was at the helm of the winning team, whose total of 128 was two better than the runners-up.