North Norfolk success for Luke and Alfie

CAPTION - Sponsors Paul and Vicky Searle with the winners of the PGA Spring Classic, Luke Goddard and his amateur partner Alfie Edgson.

Luke Goddard (Hendon) and his amateur partner Alfie Edgson were runaway winners of the Searles PGA Spring Classic in north Norfolk.

PGA trainee Goddard and 14-handicapper Edgson piled on the points over the two-day Stableford competition at King’s Lynn and Hunstanton.

The pair recorded a tally of 39 on the opening day greensomes at King’s Lynn before really finding their scoring boots over the links at Hunstanton. 

They amassed a huge total of 49 points under better-ball rules to finish on 88 – four clear of the runners-up Chase Davis (Eaton) and Aaron Stuttard.

Goddard and Edgson built early momentum in their round, including the teenager making a birdie, net eagle at the par-4 sixth – the pair’s fifth hole.

They kept up their fine form before Wisbech Grammar School pupil Edgson ensured they finished with a real flourish.

The teenager made a net birdie at the duo’s penultimate hole and then rolled home a 20-footer for a three on their closing par-4.

Goddard, 31, said: “The two days were fantastic. We played very nicely and dovetailed well. That’s how you rack up a good score.

“I first played at Hunstanton back in 2005 in the British Boys’. It’s the first time I’ve been back and it’s great to win here alongside Alfie. He is a talented young player and one for the future.

“We met last year as part of a team in a pro-am at Heacham Manor but this was the first time we played together as partners. I would say we’re likely to pair up again in the Summer Classic at Sheringham and Royal Cromer!”

Alfie is a member at Heacham Manor and is already a Norfolk Under-14s golfer.

After the victory he said: “It has been a very good experience. The first day we got ourselves up there and the second day a birdie-birdie start helped. It’s lovely to win.” 

It was the 20^th renewal of the Searles PGA Spring Classic and the second successive season that Davis had finished runner-up. He and Stuttard notched hauls of 43 and 41 to take second spot, three points clear of Adam Lewarne (Middleton Hall) and Daryl Hazelhurst-Jeavons.

Paul Searle, managing director of Searles, said: “It is the 20th time we have sponsored the Spring Classic over two excellent courses and we are delighted with the number of competitors over the years – and a very good entry of 58 teams this time.

“The reason we do it is to promote Heacham Manor and golfing holidays in north Norfolk. It’s wonderful part of the world to come and play golf.”