Virus-hit Bickerton wins at Oake Manor

European Tour winner John Bickerton celebrated his debut in a PGA West Order Of Merit tournament with a two-shot victory in the Total Triumph Classic at Oake Manor.

Despite suffering from a virus picked up on a recent golfing holiday in Turkey he shot a record 12-under-par 128 after rounds of 63 and 65.

The three-time Tour winner quit Europe after 20 years for a quiet life as a club pro at Minehead and West Somerset Golf Club after a freak elbow and wrist injury forced premature retirement.

Bickerton, 48, has gradually eased his way back and was persuaded to play in the opening OOM event at the immaculate Somerset venue by sponsor Neil Mossman, an occasional playing partner and member of both Minehead and Oake Manor.

Bickerton said: “I was not feeling very well, spluttering all day long and struggling so it was a pleasant surprise when I got going as I have not played at all recently.

“I played steady golf and threw in the odd birdie.” He made eight in the first round, six in the second and dropped one shot in each round. “I was particularly annoyed to bogey the last hole when I missed a short putt but happily it didn’t matter.

“The secret was my short game. I holed some nice putts but usually knocked it quite close from 100 yards. I had to do that as I was probably the shortest hitter here. The youngsters were driving it 50 yards past me.”

Four players shared second on 130. Dan Carter (Upavon) suffered a double bogey at the short 14th but made six birdies on the way to a second 65.  Richard O'Hanlon (St Kew) made four of his six birdies on the back nine and in-form Toby Hunt (St Mellons) made eight birdies in 66s. Last year’s OOM winner Ashley Mansell (Clevedon) dropped two shots at the 12th but collected six birdies in 67.

David Dixon (Enmore Park) finished sixth on 131. He mounted a spirited challenge and was nine-under after the tenth until halted by three dropped shots in the following four holes.

Scot Simon Stevenson (Taunton and Pickeridge) claimed for his best OOM finish in 14 years alongside defending champion Sion Bebb (Morlais Castle) on 132.

But it was a day of woe for Lee Thompson (Dudsbury). The previous day’s course record breaker on 10-under-par 60, who missed a 20-foot putt on the last for a 59, suffered one disaster.

Although he started by dropping two shots he recovered to ten-under before reaching the 13th hole which proved to be unlucky.  A couple of unfortunate breaks led to seven at the par four hole to end his challenge. Only eight other players shot worse than his 73.

He finished ninth alongside Craig Melding (Neath), who also slipped back with 70, Paul Henderson (Ivybridge) and Lee Corfield (Burnham and Berrow).

Sponsor Neil Mossman was delighted with his tenth successive tournament. He said: “My original idea was for good amateurs to learn from playing together with top pros. The entry of more than 100 this year was fantastic.”

Regional manager Robert Moss added: “It was a great event and the record low scoring was testimony to the excellent condition of the course.” 

Bradley Scott (Tiverton) was the star player in the amateur section. He shot five-under-par 65 for the best amateur score..

It was perfect preparation for the 18-year-old Devon county first team player before this week’s  South West Counties Championship at Cumberwell Park, Wiltshire.

He said: “I played really well and have now improved my handicap to plus one.”