Levermore leaves it late to snatch Essex Open

Channels Golf Club head PGA pro Jason Levermore pipped his assistant Craig Housden to land the 96^th Essex Open for the first time over 36 holes at Burstead.

Fog delayed the start while heavy rain followed but Lee Cocker from Essex Golf and Country Club carved out a two-under-par 69 first round lead with eight players within two shots teeing up an exciting afternoon round.

The lead changed hands several times during the second round with an excellent four-under-par 67 from Housden seemingly enough to take the title after a one over par in the morning.

However, with only one group left on the course, PGA Cup ace Levermore equalled his assistant’s round of 67 and with level par in the morning took the title by one shot with a two round total of 138.

James Scade from Ingrebourne Links Golf Complex took third place a further shot behind and first round leader Lee Cocker finished fourth.

Meanwhile James Webber from Three Rivers Golf and Country Club set the pace in the pro-am on the first day with a five under par score, closely followed by Sam Teer from Clacton Golf Club one shot behind.

Matt Stables from North Weald Golf Club led his team to victory in the team event with 87 points by one point from several teams.