Kevin Saunders wins Hampshire Masters

Adam Hickling (Stoneham) endured the highs and lows the game can suddenly spring on you as Kevin Saunders (Brokenhurst Manor, pictured) secured a dramatic one shot victory at Hartley Wintney in the Be Wiser Insurance PGA in Hampshire Masters.

After finishing on 141, one-under-par and a stroke ahead of runner up Jon Barnes (Lee-on-the-Solent) with first round leader Hickling in third spot three shots further back on 144, Saunders said: “It was an interesting day to say the least.

“I had a feeling I was catching Adam up but like a lot of others I was beginning to wilt in the heat. 

“I also managed to get through three trolleys and the last one had only two plastic rims going up the last.

“So I was delighted to see it through and win the tournament as I have not been playing that much on the circuit recently.”

Hickling, Stoneham’s head PGA Professional and winner of the Be Wiser Insurance PGA in Hampshire Strokeplay Championship in June, looked set for his second county major when he posted a record-breaking 65 in the first round.

That six-under-par super show saw him go into the afternoon session five strokes clear of his rivals, Saunders, Jon Barnes, Jack Coulbert and Jason McNiven.

However, he dropped three shots in the first four holes to go out in 38 and offer the chasing pack a glimmer of hope.

But it was the back nine that proved his undoing as he posted a couple of double bogeys for a 79 to finish in third place behind.

Yet it all looked so promising in the morning for him despite a bogey at the opening hole.

He then went on a blistering run to chalk up five birdies and an eagle at the eighth to set a new best at Hartley Wintney.

Then, with Hickling struggling to get his game back on track, Saunders and Barnes (Lee-on-the Solent) took advantage.

They were neck and neck coming to the 160-yard 35th hole where Saunders effectively won the championship with a birdie.

His six-iron approach came to rest two feet from the hole for a tap in and he followed up with a par to consign Barnes to second place.