Frinton host the Essex PGA Open Championship

Article Published: Thursday 14th October 2010 17:53:33 pm

Frinton Golf Club played host to the Essex PGA Open Championship sponsored by local accountants, Jamesons. This PGA run event is the most important event in the Essex professional golfers’ calendar and is now in its 90th year. It is open to low handicap amateurs and professionals in Essex and is strongly supported by the local professionals. An original field of 100 players was narrowed down to 66 following a pre-qualifying event in March.

Following the morning round, 10 players were within four shots of leader Matt King from Hartswood Golf Club on 68. However, Jack Clarke,who originally hailed from Chelmsford Golf Club as an amateur, put together ‘back to back’ morning and afternoon rounds of 69 to give him a 2 under par total of 138 which was enough to win the championship. Two shots behind in second place with 140 was Adam Burwood of the Warren Golf Club, followed by Johnnie Fryatt, Thorpe Hall Golf Club and a former Essex PGA Captain, in third place on 141. There were two players sharing 4th place with a score of 142, Mark Stokes from Rayleigh Golf Range and morning leader Matt King.

The winning amateur was Matthew Southgate of Thorpe Hall Golf Club on 143 who won on countback from Jason Nicholls of Frinton Golf Club and Andrew Shakespear of Five Lakes Golf and Country Club.

The previous day, the customary Pro-Am event took place. This well supported event proved to be a good curtain raiser for the main event. The winning professional's score on the day of 67 came from Matt King of Hartswood Golf Club, and in joint second place Johnnie Fryatt of Thorpe Hall Golf Club and Jason Levermore of Clacton Golf Club. The winning team was Graham Burroughs (professional) with Rickie, Ritchie and Alex Hatton all from Boyce Hill Golf Club with a score of 125; in second place on 126 was Mark Stokes (professional) with his team comprised of Frinton members Ian Dickinson, Mark Harry and Warren Bailey.