Wallis reclaims PGA South Order of Merit crown

Richard Wallis returned to the top of the pile in the PGA South region following a three-year absence after claiming his fifth Order of Merit title.

Having been in pole position for most of the seven event Order of Merit schedule, Wallis secured his win after finishing tied for 16th place in the Crisp Thinking PGA Farnham Finale OOM.

The new champion was delighted with his achievement, saying: “After winning the PGA Southern Open at Cuddington, the possibility of another Order of Merit beckoned and I took every opportunity to make it mine. It’s fantastic to be back in contention again.”

PGA Cup star Andy Raitt (St. George’s Hill) shot a 13-under par total of 203 to win the Crisp Thinking PGA Farnham Finale OOM by four strokes, along with a very handsome £2,222.

Raitt reeled off rounds of 68, 68 and 67 to mark an emphatic victory, which means he finishes second in the PGA South region Order of Merit.

“The figures look good, but I was fighting a pull both days,” said Raitt, who played a key role in helping Great Britain & Ireland beat America at Foxhills last month.

“My putting was hot and turned what could’ve been pars and bogeys into birdies – occasionally from the wrong fairway! We were blessed with good weather, and after the recent downpours Farnham was in terrific shape as well.”

Third spot in the PGA South region Order of Merit went to Richings Park’s Chris Rodgers, whose victory in the CK Group PGA Southern Professionals Championship at King’s Hill and second place in the PGA Surrey Open at Clandon Regis always made him a strong contender.

Chris Gane finished the season strongly with a second-place finish at Farnham. Rounds of 71, 66 and 70 earned the Left Handed Golf at Silvermere player a runner’s-up cheque of £1,267.

Romsey’s Elliot Groves and Oxford Golf Centre’s Adam Wootton tied on 209 for third place to take home £925 each.

Despite an uncharacteristic opening round of four-over par 76, Wootton put together a 10-under par 62 in the afternoon. This would have been a new course record, had there not been a lift and place ruling following the rain earlier in the week.