Max goes big at Littlestone

Manston Golf Centre’s assistant professional, Max Brackley, shot a two-under-par 69 around Littlestone to win the third PGA South Winter Series event, supported by Titleist & FootJoy, by two strokes.

The only player to break par on a day when a two-to-three club wind was making Littlestone more of challenge, Brackley’s performance cruised past the even par rounds of Callum Haughey (Orpington Golf Centre) and the last Winter Series event winner Scott Stevens (Staplehurst Golf Centre), pushing them into a tie for second spot.

Getting back to his old form after a back injury kept him out of most of the 2014 season, Michael Lowe (Leatherhead) took third spot with a two-over-par 73.

Taking home the £333 top prize, Brackley maximised his gains by collecting the valuable Titleist & FootJoy ball, glove and shoe contract for the leading Trainee, as he’s also working hard to get his PGA qualification.

With a birdie at the fifth and two dropped shots courtesy of missing the greens at the two short holes, he was out in one-over-par, and then went to town on the back nine with three birdies and six pars for his solo sub-par score of 69.

The Thanet-based big hitter’s driving made the score, as Brackley explained:  “I only missed three fairways in the round in spite of the very strong wind, and got away to a good start by making par through the first seven holes, all made a lot tougher by being straight into the wind.

"That set me up to make my score on the back nine where the wind was blowing across instead of against.

“On those holes I used the wind well and made a lot of birdie opportunities with my wedge, setting up seven putts under ten feet and making three of them.

“The greens and fairways at Littlestone were in fantastic condition, considering all the rain that’s fallen, and it was an ideal course to pick for this event at this time of the year.”

Brackley’s plans for 2015 include playing in the regional Order of Merit events, and he’s aiming for the European Tour Qualifying School once again at the back end of the season.

“This win is just the encouragement I needed, and to take the Titleist & FootJoy ball, glove and shoe contract as well means I’m really looking forward to 2015.”