PGA South Winter Series kicks off at Hankley Common

There was nothing to separate the cards of the RAC Club’s Tom Neve, Lee-on-the-Solent’s James Ablett, Cuddington’s Paul Schunter and Hampshire’s Jon Barnes, with each shooting 38 points at Hankley Common Golf Club to win the first event of the 2018-2019 Titleist & FootJoy PGA South Winter Series.

Playing in unseasonably mild and sunny conditions around one of Surrey’s top heathland courses, each player took home a cheque for £387.

But of the four, Tom Neve probably had the biggest smile as he also took home the Leading Trainee’s prize of a ball, glove and shoe contract from the sponsor. His two-under-par round included two birdies and an eagle.

A field of 78 PGA Professionals and Assistants from across the South came to play in the first of the ever popular 10 event series throughout the winter. Seaking about the day, Neve said: “The weather was unbelievably good and as ever Hankley was in great condition. I was surprised that no-one came in with more than 38 points, but I’m not complaining!”

Schunter was arguably closest to taking the title but uncharacteristic lapses on his last two holes left him in the four way tie. Making up for a double bogey at the 11th Barnes was another who eagled the 13th as well, underlining his calibre as he also celebrated winning The PGA in Hampshire Order of Merit for the 10th time.

The next round of the Titleist & FootJoy PGA South Winter Series is at the wonderful Kent links, Littlestone, on 26th November.