No stopping the main Mann as Fraser claims Senior PGA title

The Senior PGA Professional Championship title will remain in Scotland after Fraser Mann sealed his first national title in style at Foxhills.

But the popular 55-year-old Carnoustie professional, who eased to a six-shot victory at the Surrey venue, cut short his celebrations to head home in time to give a lesson first thing tomorrow morning!

Mann, who had chalked up top 10 finishes on his previous two appearances in the championship, never looked in danger of surrendering the title having seen his overnight one shot advantage ease to three after the first hole.

A steady round containing two birdies and two bogeys, for a level par 73 on the Bernard Hunt course, was more than ample to capture The Bernard Hunt Trophy, named in honour of the former PGA captain and Ryder Cup legend, and the £5,250 first prize.

“It’s just great,” said Mann. “I won a few things in Scotland but this is my first national title. I played really nicely today and all week and I have just enjoyed it. I birdied the first and I felt fine after that.

“I was bit nervous at first but I hit an approach to 10 feet and holed and that was my little cushion. I wasn’t playing anyone else or looking at the scoreboard. I was just trying to play the course today at par or better.

“Having won, it’s now straight back on the road as I’m coaching at 9am tomorrow at Carnoustie, so this has been a great bonus to come away, have a break and catch up with friends.”

Victory also booked his place at Close House next month to compete in the ISPS Handa PGA Senior Championship. He will be joined at the Newcastle venue by joint runners-up Brian Sharrock (BFS Trading Ltd) and Roger Tuddenham (Hedge End Golf Centre), who finished on four-over-par for the championship.

Hampshire-based Tuddenham, making his bow in the event having turn 50 late last year, said: “I came in with no expectations. I was just trying to make the cut and maybe make the top 20 but obviously I’ve had a good week.

“I only kept playing so I could play the seniors. This is the first chance I have had and the standard is obviously really high and I didn’t know if my game would stand up to it. Apart from a few funny holes it’s been alright.

“I stayed 50 to see if I could make a tour event and this was an opportunity and I’ve done it and it’s great. I’ve achieved nothing like this and I was a bit edgy on the back nine and held on to finish second, so I’m delighted.”

Sharrock, based at Hillside in Southport, plundered six birdies in his final round of one-under-par 71, one of only four final day rounds under par, to rise up the leaderboard having admitted he struggled to even make the cut during the rain-lashed second round.

The 58-year-old said: “I played great today and scoring six birdies is more than I normally get.

“Yesterday was unbelievable with the weather, I couldn’t even hold the club after four holes. To even have made the cut in those conditions was amazing so to come through the field today and finish in a share of second is great.

“I’m looking forward to Close House and if I can be as cool up there I might do some damage.”

Defending champion Kenny Hutton (Downfield) finished in a share of fourth place with John Harrison (Matfen Hall) a shot further back. They will also pitch up at Close House as will the rest of the top 20 finishers this week.