Lefty lifts the Prince’s crown in style

Lee-on-the-Solent’s James Ablett warmed up for PGA Play-Offs with a storming six shot victory in the PGA Sandwich Links Championship at Prince’s. 

Despite dropping a shot on the opening hole, the left-hander outshone the field yet again, shooting rounds of 64 and 68, to chalk up his 16^th win of the season.

“With the PGA Play Offs in a few days’ time, this is just the kind of performance I wanted to take with me down at Saunton.  I love links golf, and I’m really looking forward to playing the challenge Saunton presents,” said Ablett.

Picking up his winner’s cheque for £1,250, Ablett had blown away the field with his opening 64 to lead by three. He proceeded to stretch his three shot lead with an excellent 68, setting yet again the lowest score of the day.

Trailing in Ablett’s wake on 138 were the duo of Littlestone’s Charlie Wilson and Benn Barham (Pentland Golf), both of whom were the only other players to break par over two rounds at the Open qualifying links course on the Kent coast, which was presented in fantastic order for the 22 teams to enjoy over the two days.

Ablett has dominated The PGA in England (South) Money List for most of the year, amassing not only sixteen wins but more top ten places than anyone else with 24 in total, or 40 including the pole positions.

Even so his lead in the Money List has been constantly harried by former four-time Virgin Atlantic PGA South Order of Merit champion Richard Wallis (Canterbury), with Chris Gane (LeftHandedGolf@Silvermere) never far behind either.

Although he didn’t shine quite so brightly in the Order of Merit events, Ablett still came third in the 2016 Virgin Atlantic PGA South Order of Merit to grab a ticket to Saunton along with Gane, who are with Adam Wootton (Oxford Golf Centre) and Andrew Raitt (St George’s Hill) hoping that Saunton’s aura will bring out their best golf.

Around Prince’s after his opening bogey, Ablett birdied five out of the next eight holes, and went and made four more at the 12^th, 13^th, 15^th and just for good measure, the 18^th as well. As he reflected: “Sometimes things really come together, and yesterday was definitely one of those days. Actually, given the windy weather we had, today’s round wasn’t too bad either!”