Raitt rocking after ultimate golfing road trip

** L-R (Andy Raitt, Andrew Bernard, Richard Beach & Andrew Flatters

A whistle-stop tour of some of America’s finest courses inspired Andy Raitt who captured the 2016 Pinehurst Classic Pro-Am.

The St George’s Hill attached golfer and his team warmed up for Pro-Am Tour event with the ultimate golfing road trip courtesy of visits to Harbour Town, Haigh Point and Kiawah Island before watching Danny Willett win the Masters.

Raitt capped a dream trip by surging to victory at Pinehurst including over the legendary No.2 Course which hosted the 2014 US Open, won by Martin Kaymer.

In the opening round, Pro-Am Tour regular and South Region No. 1 James Ablett made an excellent start with a one under par 71 on the Pinehurst No. 4 Course, matched by East Herts Golf Club's Daniel Field.

Raitt was just one shot behind and further rounds of 72 and 73 gave him a level par total and three shot victory over Ablett and Field.

Pinehurst's challenging courses drew plenty of praise especially the classic Donald Ross No.2 design which was recently restored by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore .

In the team event the lead changed hands between Raitt and Ablett's teams, but it would be Raitt's team of Andrew Bernard, Richard Beach and Andrew Flatters who would ultimately secure a four shot victory.

The Pinehurst Classic Pro-Am also featured a Challenge Day at the difficult Jack Nicklaus designed No. 9 Course. Stoneham Golf Club's Adam Hickling triumphed on the day with a superb score of 39 points. Woburn's Mark Wharton was a point back in second place.

Pinehurst boasts more than 100 years of golfing history, having staged many famous tournaments including US Amateur Championships, PGA Championships, US Open Championships along with The 1951 Ryder Cup.

April remains a prime time to visit the North Carolina venue with azaleas in full bloom, and the golf courses in excellent condition. Many of the competitors took the chance to enjoy the exciting conclusion to the Masters in nearby Augusta, and Danny Willett's memorable victory, before travelling up to Pinehurst.

This is a regular feature of Pro-Am Tour events which are often staged at the best times to visit and backed into Major tournaments or PGA Tour events.

From Pinehurst The Pro-Am Tour will move on to Pebble Beach for its final event of the season. Once again the popular and amiable Raitt will be taking part, as he attempts to repeat his victory there just twelve months ago.

The Pinehurst Classic Pro-Am is just one of The American Golf Holiday’s Pro-Am Tour events. Other events include The Sawgrass Classic, The Arizona Classic, The California Classic, The Scottsdale Classic, The Las Vegas Classic, and The Pro-Am Tour at Pebble Beach, along with tailor-made golf packages including admission to The US Masters at Augusta and The Ryder Cup.

Further information on The Pro-Am Tour can be obtained from The American Golf Holiday, telephone 023 8046 5885, or at their web-site www.pro-amtour.com.