8 under par 63 final round seals PGA Surrey Open Championship
In a thrilling climax to July’s Virgin Atlantic PGA South Order of Merit tournament, Guy Woodman birdied the last hole to win the PGA Surrey Open Championship. In the process, the ProAgenda.com man shot a record-equalling eight-under-par 63 at Cuddington to post a 14-under-par total* and take home the historic trophy and the £2,000 winner’s cheque.
“I couldn’t be happier!” commented a delighted Woodman, adding: “It was great to be playing in the very relaxed company of Paul (Newman) and Andy (Raitt), and that really helped my golf and my focus.”
He said: “Cuddington was in terrific condition and The PGA in England (South) and home PGA Pro, Paul Schunter, ensured another great tournament for us all. And after my previous attempts here it’s great to shoot a 63 and come out on top!”
Edged into second spot after taking the victor to the wire was overnight leader Paul Newman (East Berks) on 12-under-par (64, 66). The new PGA Southern Open champion Andy Raitt (St. George’s Hill) came in third with rounds of 65 and 67.
Playing in ideal conditions and starting the final round a shot behind playing partner Newman, Woodman opened in spectacular style with two eagles against Newman’s par, eagle start.
But with both players out in 32, Woodman remained one elusive stroke behind. Birdies at the 11th, 12th and 15th pulled him ahead by one after 35 holes after Newman’s three birdies and two bogeys, and after a drive and a wedge to the 18th green to four feet of the hole, Woodman holed for a dramatic two shot victory.
Also in the mix for the first time was amateur and The Golf College student, Lewis Hinton, who finished on six-under-par in 12th spot to win the best amateur prize.
With three stroke play events and the Keith MacDonald Match Play left to play in the Order of Merit, Raitt’s on top of the leaderboard**, pursued by Jordan Godwin (Barnehurst) and Paul Nessling (Cooden Beach), with Woodman leapfrogging into fourth spot.
The next Virgin Atlantic PGA South Order of Merit tournament is PGA Kent Open Championship at Prince’s Golf Club, Kent, on the 19th and 20th of August.