Somerset Golf Union

West of England Senior Open

Burnham & Berrow Golf Club - 30th Apr/1st May 2013

The first round of the West of England Seniors Open was played on a benign sunny afternoon and, although good scores were expected they didn't materialise. Local players Ian Heppenstall and John Whitcutt could only manage 83 and 85 respectively but were quick to point out that the greens were very fast and some of the pin positions were brutal. It was disappointing to have three NRs from the morning roundwith the best score in from Bob Head of Brocket Hall GC with a 77 followed by four players on 79; Michael Wigley of Bude GC, David Niven of Newbury and Crookham GC, Richard Wood of Long Ashton GC and Rhys Francis of Parkstone GC. After the first round the starting order was adjusted for Wednesday morning to put the lowest scores out last.

Regrettably 3 players had to withdraw overnight due to injury or emergency work callout and Peter Noble, of Northamptonshire GC, the best nett from the first round, withdrew on the morning due to illness. Steve Thomas of Weston-super-Mare GC, after overnight physiotherapy on a bad back, could only manage 4 holes before retiring injured.

Scores were marginally better in the second round with Rhys Francis at the top of the leaderboard with a 162. David Potter of Naunton Downs GC replaced him with a 160 and Bob Head, who could only manage 82 in the second round went into second place on 159, equal with Basil Griffiths of Llanymynech GC who had a better back 9.

With the players with the lowest scores from the first round still out on the course and battling shot for shot the championship was wide open.

Richard Wood, with two 79s for a 158 took third place, David Niven was second with 156 but it was left to Michael Wigley, with the lowest round of the morning finishing on 155 to claim the title.With no player allowed to claim more than one prize, and 10 prizes to distribute, the organisers wasted no time in determing the prize winners. The Burnham & Berrow Club Captain, Martin Wilkins, presented the prizes.

West of England Seniors Open Champion Michael Wigley with Burnham & Berrow Captain Martin Wilkins