England celebrations prove no distraction for sizzling 63
A super six-under-par 63 landed Lee-on-the-Solent’s star lefty James Ablett a two stroke win and a cheque for £1,200 at the Dartford Pro-Am.
A delighted Ablett said: “I’ve played here enough times to know where to set up scoring opportunities, and where to be happy with par. Given the weather, Dartford was in terrific condition and putting on the 18th green during England’s World Cup goal celebrations was interesting to say the least!”
As one of the PGA South’s stalwarts over the years, Ablett’s had a mixed season to date with just the one victory in the Region so far this year, but using all his past experience to navigate a fiery Dartford course, he delivered his best performances in 2018.
Spurred on by early birdies and one at the 14th got him to three-under to be in with a chance of victory. On the final two holes Ablett seized his opportunity in magnificent style, eagling the 17th and birdieing the 18th for an unmatchable six-under-par 63, to the rapturous applause of the final green gallery.
The Golf College’s Tim Spence’s charge was put on hold with a lost ball at the 17th but his 65 was enough to share second spot with multiple winner Jordan Godwin (Barnehurst).
Tilgate Forest Golf Centre’s Lea Cooper led his merry men to victory by one stroke in the team event on -20 to edge out the teams led by Piltdown’s Richard Hill and Robert Rock Academy’s James Ford.