Local hero in home win – again!

Mark Treleaven (Hayling) shot an impressive four-under-par round of 67 on his home course to win the PGA South Hayling Pro-Am, and take the £800 winner’s cheque.

He edged out Matthew Rice (Purley Downs) by one stroke while in third place were Tom Fleming (Frilford Heath) and Jonathan Barnes (Oak Park) who both carded 69s.

Hayling’s assistant PGA pro David Aitchison said: “It’s no surprise to us that Mark won, he always plays well on his home track!

“The course is playing very firm at the moment and it’s really difficult to get the ball near the flag. The rough’s particularly bad this year as well. The weather was ideal but the wind got a fair bit stronger in the afternoon when Mark went out, making his five birdies on the back nine all the more impressive.”

Treleaven had started badly, bogeying the par five second and short fifth to be two-over-par, but somehow he came out of reverse and found top gear, charging through the next three holes to be one-under-par at the turn.

Another birdie came at the 10^th, and then just as he was back in contention on two-under a couple of slips at the 11^th and 12^th put him back to level.

Standing on the 13^th tee Treleaven found inspiration for the second time, shooting four straight birdies on the trot on holes that were defended by a strong crosswind and which don’t normally yield opportunities.

Pars down the last two holes saw Treleaven home in 67 and at the top of the leaderboard.

Treleaven, head PGA professional at the Hampshire course, was delighted to bring home the bacon at his home Pro-Am.

“I love playing in this event at my home club, and Hayling proved a very tough examination of links golf skills this time. Keeping the ball in business was crucial, and the very dry firm conditions made scoring very challenging, so some local knowledge probably helped!”