Phillips wins at Gog Magog two weeks after joining pro ranks

Newly qualified Thomas Phillips admitted the improvements he has made to his game paid off after winning the Titleist & FootJoy PGA Professional Championship East qualifier at Gog Magog Golf Club.

The Barnet-based Hadley Wood Golf Club professional beat fellow Welshman Andrew Pestel, of Chelmsford Golf Club, by one shot after carding a four-under-par round of 68 at the Cambridgeshire venue.

Also tying for second spot on three under par was Ian Ellis of Gt Yarmouth & Caister Golf Club.

They will now join 13 other qualifiers at the £78,000 showpiece final being held The Oxfordshire course between July 26-29.

Phillips, who only stepped up from the assistant ranks two weeks ago after completing his PGA training, said he has been working with Hertfordshire-based teaching professional Matt Belsham.

“I was struggling last year and needed help improving my swing,” said Philips.

“Matt ironed out the wrong things and told me what I needed to be doing.

“I wanted to understand my own game and he helped me fix a few things. It’s also given me more confidence on the coaching side of things but I also want to be playing better. I’m more confident where I’m at now and this result hopefully is proof of that. Now I want to keep this going.

“I’m really looking forward to taking part in a prestigious final at The Oxfordshire. I made the assistants' final three years ago but missed the cut by one shot, so that was frustrating. This will be bigger though and I intend to get in a few practice rounds before the tournament.”

Phillips suffered a minor blip when he dropped shots at the eighth and ninth holes.

But he had already made three birdies. And he produced another three on the back nine to top the leaderboard.

Phillips moved to Hadley Wood from Cardiff to take up an assistants’ job.

“I’m glad I did it, it’s a great club and a great course, I’ve learned a lot here and now I want to improve,” he said.