Wallis wins at Farnham but Gane grabs OOM crown

Shooting a stunning closing round of eight-under-par 64, Canterbury’s Richard Wallis won the Crisp Thinking PGA Farnham Finale by six strokes, with a total of sixteen-under-par for a cool £2,000.

His win leapfrogged him into contention for the Virgin Atlantic PGA South Order of Merit title, but having led it for some weeks, Chris Gane from Left Handed Golf at Silvermere shot a final round of 68 for fourth place, amassing enough points to edge Wallis into second spot.

Wallis commented: “I pitched and putted really well today, and made the most of the opportunities to end the season on a really strong note.”

A clearly delighted Gane added: “I’m proud that my name’s joined some of the legends on the Order of Merit trophy. The PGA South’s got many fine players, so winning this title is a real achievement.” Gane, Wallis and Rustington’s Michael Bullen now go to the PGA Play Offs in Turkey in November.

After two solid rounds of 68, Wallis made six birdies and an eagle for his flawless 64. Having opened with an even better 63, Burgess Hill’s Ryan Fitzgerald shot 73 and 70 to grab second spot and £1,200, edging the third placed 207 of Singing Hills’ Chris Croucher.

Looking like a shoot out between Gane and Bullen after the CK Group PGA Southern Pros, Bullen’s recent form deserted him and he didn’t make the cut, but Wallis ensured the chase for the title went to the wire, making Gane work hard to earn his new number one status.

Regional Manager, Sam Smith summed up saying: “2018’s been another cracking season. The PGA South is one of the strongest regions, thanks to both the fantastic support from our Associates - Virgin Atlantic, Crisp , CK Group and KRL, and all the Professionals who all do this Region and themselves proud.”