Three-way tussle for assistants’ title

Henley G&CC pro Chris Freeman took the spoils at the sixth Assistants’ Order of Merit event of the season at Stapleford Park.

A two-under-par 70 proved good enough to earn himself a two shot win and the winner’s cheque.

Freeman found form last week at the Ladbrook Park Pro-Am, where he finished second, and maintained it with him to the Leicestershire Championship layout which provided a stiff challenge on a baking hot day.

A front nine of 33 which included an eagle at the fifth proved decisive, level par on his closing half was enough to keep the chasing pack at bay.

Four golfers shared second place after all shooting level par rounds, Matthew Whelband (Park Hill) and Alec Smith (Trentham Park) set up a great finish to the season, moving to one and two at the top of the Order of Merit table with their 72s.

They were joined by Matthew Cort (Rothley Park) and Matthew White (Perton Park), with another trio a further shot back.

Among them was Christopher Evans from Wishaw who is third in the overall table and will compete with both Whelband and Smith for the title in September at the seventh and final event on the calendar.