Lilly laps it up in Palm Springs

Simon Lilly maintained his impressive winning record on the American Golf Holiday’s Pro-Am Tour with victory in California.

The Wellingborough PGA pro shone in sunny Palm Springs as he claimed the 20th California Classic Pro-Am.

In a strong field that included Andy Raitt (St George’s Hill), 2013 PGA Cup player Benn Barham, Chris Gane and Zane Scotland.

Raitt set the early running with a 65 at PGA West. The low scoring continued in at SilverRock where Kings Hill ace Barham returned a magnificent 64 that left him a shot behind Raitt.

However, Pro-Am Tour regular Simon Lilly returned to form at the Classic Club to post a third round 65, and despite final round charges from James Ablett (Lee on the Solent) and Ian Walley (Kedleston Park) at Indian Wells, Lilly held on for the win.

The team event was won by Ablett and his team of Terry Drake, Denis Bowden and Gill Graham. Lilly’s team finished second, Barham’s third and Jason Neve’s team were fourth.

Barham had the consolation of winning the shot of the tournament with a hole in one at the 17th hole at Indian Wells Player’s Course on the Welcome Challenge Day. A feat Richard Wallis would match in the night golf pitching contest which was organised to celebrate 20 years of this outstanding event.

Next year’s event has already been scheduled from November 29 – December 6.

The Pro-Am Tour returns to action in February with the 14th Annual Scottsdale Classic Pro-Am, the 17th Annual Las Vegas Classic Pro-Am, and the Hawaiian Classic Pro-Am which will be the 100th event on The Pro-Am Tour.

Full information and results are available at www.pro-amtour.com