Levermore and Sharkey share spoils

Jason Levermore (above) and Johnny Sharkey survived the storms to strike in the Links Golf Club Pro-Am at Newmarket.

Play was suspended twice on a turbulent day on the Suffolk/Cambridgeshire border with thunder and lightning rolling around for several hours.

One almighty storm late in the afternoon was particularly severe and play was completed in virtual darkness at 8.40pm.

Sharkey, assistant to his father John at the home club, used local knowledge to fine effect – taking advantage of the better conditions that prevailed earlier in the day.

He reached the turn in two-under and sparks really flew at the par-five 13th where he made a stunning eagle.

Having found the green in the two, he stroked a 35-foot putt across the green for a superb three to lift himself to four-under.

A storm delay soon followed Sharkey’s fireworks but on the resumption he closed out with a string of solid pars for a four-under-par round of 68.

That score was matched by afternoon starter Jason Levermore, who recovered well from a bogey at the opening hole.

The Channels Golf Club professional reached two-under before the hooter sounded for the second time in the day. When play continued, Levermore made birdie at back-to-back par-fours down the stretch on his way to a 68 that would ensure a share of the spoils.

Stuart Brown (Orton Meadows) fired six birdies in his round and looked to be on course for a 68 of his own. But he dropped a stroke at the par-three 17th and finished with a 69 in sole possession of third place.

For Sharkey, 24, it was a first victory – albeit shared with Levermore – on the PGA in England (East) tournament schedule and he was understandably delighted.

“I’m chuffed to bits with the win and it is even sweeter that it has come on my home track,” said Sharkey. “I hit 15 greens in regulation and just played solidly all day.”

In the team event, two quartets finished on 129 with Brett Taylor’s beating Levermore’s on countback.