Mustchin makes his maiden PGA win, but Brackley is the new Winter Series champion
There was a thrilling climax to the Titleist & FootJoy PGA South Winter Series at Farnham GC, where West Sussex’s Darren Mustchin claimed his first professional title with a dazzling seven-under-par 65* to win the Titleist & FootJoy Assistants & Trainees BetterBall Pro-Am.
Pushed into second spot by one shot, Max Brackley’s (Manston) impressive birdie blitz still ensured he was the overall winner of 2014-15 Titleist & FootJoy PGA South Winter Series Order of Merit**, and the first name on the new Battle Bowl trophy.
With both players starting at the 10th, Mustchin’s magic 65 included five birdies and two eagles, one at the par five 14th and the other at his last hole, the 9th, where he holed his second shot. Brackley’s 66 comprised 10 birdies, six of them on the front (his back) nine alone.
Mustchin was delighted, saying, “It’s fantastic to earn my first PGA South Region win, and to pick up the leading Assistant’s contract with Titleist & FootJoy as well. Farnham’s greens were really good this early in the season, and my long putting was very solid. I missed just one hole in regulation for my lowest card this year but as Max was obviously on fire, those two eagles were crucial!”
Finally able to claim the Winter Series title after being in contention for the last two events, Brackley commented on his ten birdie blitz 66, “Yes, I played nicely again today, drove well, hit it close a lot and holed a few putts. Farnham’s greens were in great condition, firm and rolling beautifully so I was able to have a go at a few of the putts. I’m very happy with this result, and I’ll be taking aim at the Virgin Atlantic PGA South Order of Merit events throughout 2015, with an eye on the European Tour Q School at the end of the year.”
Mustchin’s win earned him a handy winner’s cheque for £400 and the last contract in 2015 for the leading assistant’s prize of the much vaunted Titleist & FootJoy ball, glove and shoe contract. Another good day at the office for Brackley not only resulted in a second place cheque for £300, but for topping the Winter Series Order of Merit he pocketed a £250 cash bonus, a custom fit Titleist 915 Driver and a custom pair of FootJoy MyJoy golf shoes.
PGA Regional Secretary, Sam Smith, said, “Yet again thanks to the great support from Titleist & FootJoy, our 2014-2015 Winter Series has been a huge success. Our members have been able to play at some of the region’s finest courses, and while the winter’s been kind weather-wise, they’ve certainly made the most of the opportunities. Congratulations to Max on winning overall, to all the other winners, and it’s been great to see some new names emerging on the podium.”