Phil’s on cloud nine

Phil Abbott (John O’Gaunt) blazed his way to a nine-under-par 65 and landed the inaugural KJW Pro-Am @ The Millbrook.

The Bedfordshire ace won by no less than SIX shots after firing his best ever round.

He didn’t drop a single shot, making nine birdies – including one at the first to set the tone.

Abbott said: “I’ve had a few eight-unders, but nine is my lowest. 

“I missed a couple of greens by about a foot and that was it. Apart from that, I had a chance on every hole.

“I putted really nicely. I holed a putt at the first – about a 35-footer, down the hill – and I went on from there.”

Abbott only lives about 15 minutes from the course and knew when and where to attack in his round.

After that monster putt on the opening green he remained on the front foot, picking up three more shots on the front nine. 

And he stepped up his bid for success with a trio of birdies from the 11th before further gains at the 15th and 17th where he drained another fine putt.

Abbott was dreaming of 10-under walking down the last but two putts on the closing green meant he had to settle for a sizzling 65. It gave him his second East region success of the season after he also landed the Grim’s Dyke Pro-Am.

Suzanne Dickens (Thorpe Wood) did threaten to challenge. Out late in the day she got to six-under through 12 but wasn’t able to sustain her move, dropping back to finish alongside Glen Portelli (Verulam) at three-under-par.