Record round by Milne at Minehead
05/09/2017
Gary Milne was a late entrant in the first pro-am ever held at the seaside Minehead and West Somerset links course and produced a sensational record-breaking round of nine-under-par 63.
The 52-year-old Devon county coach who teaches at Woodbury Park and plays only selected events, enjoyed an early tee-time on a day of two halves. The morning was played in benign conditions when half the field broke par.
But it was a different story in the afternoon when wind and squally showers offered complexly contrasting conditions and the best score was 71.
Milne was unable to accept the applause of the members or the £825 cheque for his remarkable career-best feat as he was excused prize-giving by tournament controller Bob Martin because he had a dental appointment so runner-up Sion Bebb (Morlais Castle) gave the speech.
Milne, who was one of the region’s leading players during his days at Exeter, has concentrated on coaching for several years. He was out in four-under 33 and back in five-under 30.
Bebb started brilliantly with five birdies in the first seven holes. Two more followed as well as an eagle two at the 15th.
Home pro former European Tour winner John Bickerton carded eight birdies, five on the back nine, but two early bogeys proved costly so he settled for third on 66.
Mark Luckett (Yeovil) recorded his best finish by sharing fourth one shot further back. He was four under after five and finished with three birdies. Anthony Buchanan (Tavistock) joined the birdie fest with seven. Kevin Harper (East Devon) made six.
Scott Drummond looked favourite to at least match Milne’s score after turning in six-under 31 and adding his seventh birdie at the 11th. But three late bogeys proved his undoing so he, too, was joint fourth.
George Ryall (Burnham and Berrow), Richard Dinsdale (Asbri Golf), Alex Higgs (Stinchcombe Hill) and Paul Hendriksen (Ivybridge) shared eighth on 69.
Bickerton arranged the successful day with assistant Jordan Arnold and member Peter Whalley. He raised funds for regional captain Nick Rogers from Falmouth who is backing the motor neurone charity this year.
The charity also benefitted from a competition for a glove, Ryder Cup cap and putter head cover donated and signed by last year’s Open champion Henrik Stenson.
Ryall led Lewis Baker, Chris Webber and Michael Bohun to victory in the team event on 25-under-par 97. Somerset-based Kevin Pitts with Mike Nicholls, Gordon Whalley and Rupert Rogers were second one shot behind. Bebb, John Perkins, Wayne Clarke and Bob Artington were third on 95.
For a full list of results from the Minehead & West Somerset Pro-Am click here.
