On-song Charlton secures Essendon prize

Darren Charlton underlined his reputation as one of the most consistently fine players in the region with a pro-am victory at Essendon Country Club.

The head PGA Professional from Dunstable Downs shot a five-under-par 67 to beat Glen Portelli (Verulam) and Noel Quinn (Whipsnade Park) by two shots.

He has played five events on the East’s 2015 schedule and has yet to finish outside the top eight.

Charlton lies second in our Order of Merit after bold shows at both Bishop’s Stortford and Essendon.

Indeed, he was tied for the lead at the halfway stage at Essendon before slipping back into a share of eighth place.

But he was very much on the front foot in the pro-am at the Hertfordshire venue. Starting at the 10^th, he was soon two-under.

Back-to-back bogies from 17 temporarily threatened to derail Charlton, but he produced a brilliant home nine.

He birdied his 10^th and picked up four more, including at his last to land his first victory of the season.

Charlton said: “I am very pleased to win again on the region against a strong field. It took away a little bit of the disappointment from the day before in the Order of Merit (event).

“I am surprised but very pleased by my steady start to the year. Hopefully, I can find the time to practise and play well in the next few events to maintain a challenge for the coveted top-three places in the Order of Merit again.”