Manley captures maiden Welsh title

Stuart Manley sealed the 2012 Welsh National PGA Championship - and instantly set his sights on a personal treble.

The 33-year-old Machynys Peninsula pro took the title, which is supported by Ryder Cup Europe, by three shots at Cardiff Golf Club after adding a one-over-par 71 to his first day 64 for a five-under-par aggregate.

It earned him a £1,500 pay day and a place in next year's Wales Open. But having captured the prize on his first appearance he now is looking to add the PGA Europro Tour Order of Merit crown to his silverware collection and the cherished prize of a European Tour card over the next two months.

Manley, who lost his Tour card last season, admitted he was a very proud Welshman after joining the likes of Ian Woosnam, Brian Huggett and Sid Mouland on the roll of honour having gained temporary PGA membership.

"It's a great honour to win this title when you look at all the past champions," he said.

"It's also great to have got a place at Celtic Manor next year in the process. But I've still got two major events on the horizon and now it's matter of keeping playing and keeping sharp. I may even go to Spain for the week and play there and fine tune my game in readiness."

At Cardiff, Manley was unable to produce the fireworks of his first round as he opened with 10 straight pars before chalking up his first birdie of the day at 11. He gave himself a slight scare with a double-bogey at 14, after going out of bounds but such was his comfort zone the title was never in doubt.

He added: "I played nicely but didn't make many putts out there. I was cruising along and there was no panic, and then I had a bad lie just off the fairway on 14. I thinned my approach and went out of bounds. I ended up with a double bogey and my playing partner sinks a 30 foot putt for birdie, so that made the last few holes a bit nervous.

"I didn't want to be under pressure, but the pressure was welcome because it'll benefit me over the coming months."

Andrew Barnett, of North Wales Golf Range, and Richard Dinsdale of Newport's Parc Golf Academy, shared second place on two-under-par and with it secured their place on the Welsh team that will compete in the International Team Championships later in the year.

Barnett, who did his best to apply the pressure on his playing partner Manley, carded a second successive 69 - the only player to shoot under par on both days.

"Overall I'm pretty happy with my performance," said the former PGA Cup player, who earned just over £1,000.

"I had bad finish yesterday as I had got to four-under but slipped to minus one so was a bit disappointed. But pleased today to shoot 69 again.

"I got close to Stuart as I got within two after the 14th as there was a three shot swing in my favour, so it was close coming in but I couldn't quite get there. He was cruising as he only played that one bad shot all round.

"I'm pleased to have qualified for the Welsh team as I was part of the winning team in 2009 and think this will be my eighth time."

Dinsdale, who has had a quiet year, found his touch with a best of the day four-under 66 to also earn just over £1,000.

"That was fantastic to bounce back today after yesterday," he said.

"I've had a funny season as I've played nicely off the tee but my short game has been awful all year but today was more like I can play.

"I had an eye problem early in the year and that knocked my confidence a bit but today my putting and chipping were much improved.

"I could've been two or three better and put a squeeze on Stuart but it was going to be a tough ask.

"But I have made the team championships, and it's been a few years since I was in the team, so I am looking forward to that.

"I've played for Wales as a boy, amateur and professional and anytime you can pull on a top with the Welsh dragon on is fantastic."

The final prize of the day went to Robert Evans (Lakeside Golf & Driving Range), who won the senior title and £350.