Pateman powers to title

Nick Pateman, a first year assistant at Pinner Hill, became Middlesex PGA champion in testing conditions at Hendon.

The former Hertfordshire amateur champion ended five shots clear of last year’s winner, Daniel Coughlan of Wyke Green.

Coughlan led after the first round with two under par 68. Host professional Matt Deal and Pateman were hot on his heels two shots behind.

While most of the field struggled in steady drizzle in the afternoon Pateman produced an excellent round of 68 to leave his rivals trailing.

Pateman has played on the PGA Europro Tour but has only just started his PGA training.

Deal took third place which would have been far better but for a disaster on his final hole of the day. He was one under on the 18th tee when his drive was plugged in a bunker. It went from bad to worse and he ended with a nine.

Michael Vandenberg, the newly-appointed head professional at Wyke Green, and Kieran James were tied for fourth place nine shots off the pace.

There were a couple of injuries both sustained when players were trying to escape from the rough. Mark Alexander (MA Golf) tweaked a muscle in his back while Greg Smith, head professional at Pinner Hill, damaged tendons in his wrist.

The Middlesex PGA Championship started in 1930 with C A (Charles) Whitcombe of Crews Hill the first name to be inscribed on the trophy.

He won six more times up to 1949. Other famous Ryder Cup stars to have won in Middlesex are Tom Haliburton (North Middlesex) in 1951 and Tony Jacklin (Potters Bar) in 1964.