Three aces in exciting Scottsdale showdown

** Team winners: (l-r) James Davies, Colin Amyes, Paul Davies & Dave Thomas

James Heath and James Ablett shared the spoils in the popular Scottsdale Classic Pro-Am which also witnessed three holes-in-one.

The event followed record-breaking crowds at the US Tour’s WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale just days earlier where Hideki Matsuyama edged out Rickie Fowler.

After four rounds of desert golf at FireRock, We-Ko-Pa, SunRidge Canyon and Kierland, former European Tour player Heath tied current South Region number 1 Ablett over the closing stretch with a 67 that included a hole-in-one to share the title on a four-under-par total of 282.

Worcester Golf & Country Club’s Oliver Farr was third two strokes back ahead of Billy Hemstock in fourth.

Amateur golfers Denis Bowden at FireRock Country Club, and Simon Hanley at SunRidge Canyon joined Heath in also getting aces.

Prior to the pro-am, competitors soaked up the Saturday ‘party day’ at The WM Open at TPC Scottsdale which this year attracted a record one day attendance of 201,000.

They were part of a staggering 618,000 fans who passed through the gates during the week. Several of the competitors enjoyed the luxury of SkyBox hospitality units at the 16th hole - the loudest hole in golf.

TPC Scottsdale was to be somewhat quieter three days later when the majority of the competitors played a Challenge Day over the immaculate course which was presented in tournament condition with the grandstands still in place.

Farr and Rob Humphrey from Tyrells Wood Golf Club tied for victory on 34 points. All the players raved about the experience, particularly entering "The Coliseum" via the tunnel at the famous par 3 16th hole.

The Pro-Am also included a Welcome Challenge Day at Grayhawk Golf Club Talon Course which was won by Farr and Jamie Harris, tied with 42 points.

Competitors also played in The Scottsdale Cup - a Ryder Cup-style match played against the members of Desert Highlands Golf Club - one of Arizona’s most prestigious private clubs, and where Jack Nicklaus invented target style desert golf.

However, once again the American team proved too strong as they cruised to a 4-2 victory.

In the Pro-Am Team event, the lead changed hands through the week but a superb final round of 16 under would secure Jamie Davies and his team from Mile End Golf Club - a very popular victory.

The Scottsdale Classic Pro-Am is just one of The American Golf Holiday’s Pro-Am Tour events, others include The California Classic, The Arizona Classic, The Las Vegas Classic, The Pinehurst Classic, The Sawgrass Classic (following The PGA Tour's PLAYERS Championship) and The Pro-Am Tour at Pebble Beach.

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