Royal Return for Prince Richard at Sandwich
20/10/2014
Former PGA in England (South) Order of Merit winner Richard Wallis secured a stunning six-shot victory in the Sandwich Links Championship Pro-Am sponsored by Callaway and Shepherd Neame.
Wallis, who finished with a total of six-under-par 136, commented: “I was very happy with the way I played out there, despite all the rain on the first day and two to three club winds, so this win is a massive boost for my prospects.”
The PGA Sandwich Links Championship Pro-Am is a new two-day golf festival aiming to attract teams to the fine links golf and hospitality on offer at Royal St. George’s and Prince’s in the south east corner of Kent. 34 Pro-Am teams from around the UK including Jersey, Somerset and Cheshire played the two Open Championship venues.
Starting at Prince’s, Wallis kicked off with a flawless two-under-par first round despite constant rain. He followed this the next day with an excellent performance around Royal St. George’s, notching up seven birdies on his way to a superb four-under-par 66 around the wind lashed course.
Wallis walked away with the top professional prize of £2,000, enhanced by winning £300 and two magnums of top St. Emilion Bordeaux courtesy of sponsor Shepherd Neame for the best score on each day. Six shots behind in second place for £1,250 on level par 142, Simon Lilly (Wellingborough) edged Gary Gilligan (Wildernesse) into third spot and £1,000 with a total of 143.
With a winning 18-under-par total Lilly picked up a further £350 and his team of Dennis Bowden, Terry Drake and Gary Cheater took home Callaway Big Bertha Drivers and a magnum of Champagne courtesy of the sponsors. Wallis’ team took second spot on 15-under, making him a further £250 and winning his team Callaway stand bags, while in third spot Ally Mellor’s Hype Sports Management team picked up an Odyssey Versa putter each.
With many playing the courses for the first time, Wallis acknowledged the advantage of local knowledge, but was impressed with the way the courses held up despite the weather.
He said: “It’s been a tough year in terms of my results, but things change when there’s a new baby around! This year I haven’t practiced anything like the last four, but the practice I put in over the past two weeks showed out on the course.”
Summarising events, the secretary of The PGA in England (South) Sam Smith said: “This new annual event is a great way to finish the season and showcase Kent’s finest stay and play golf, and will become the main autumn event in which to play.
“The PGA Sandwich Links Championship will return to Royal St George’s and Prince’s in 2015 on Monday 11th - Tuesday 12th October 2015, so for top links golf combined with great hospitality, make a note of this for your 2015 diaries!”
