Ireland blows away the field
22/11/2017
Alex Ireland was the only player to break par as he won his first winter series event at the Gloucester and Somerset PGA Medal at a windy Players Club in Bristol.
The Brickhampton Court amateur carded one-under par round of 71 to finish two shots ahead of Ed Goodwin in second and three shots ahead of Total Triumph Order of Merit leader Giuseppe Licata and Tom Maggs.
Strong winds and soft conditions underfoot provided a demanding examination for the 37-strong field, but Ireland made a strong start by carding three birdies in his opening four holes. He added two more birdies later on to a round that also included two bogeys and a double bogey.
Goodwin was the leading pro and witnessed the winner’s round first hand as he played alongside Ireland.
The Cirencester man returned a solid 73 which included a couple of birdies and a trio of bogies to gain some valuable Order of Merit points in his chase of Licata, who posted a score of 74.
Ross Langdon (Brickhampton Court), George Ryall (Burnham & Berrow), Daryl Kelley (Filton) and Martin Dewhurst (Unattached) all shared fourth place on 75.
Licata further extended his lead at the head of the Total Triumph Order of Merit as he bids to retain the title he won last season. Russ Berry had an off day by his standards at The Players Club but remains second but both Ryall and Goodwin are now hot on his heels in third and fourth place respectively.
Next week a trip into the Forest of Dean awaits when the Professional’s visit Forest Hills for the 11th Medal on the 2017/18 schedule.
