Wednesday, June 06, 2007

PRESS RELEASE

AMATEUR HOOPER WINS CELTIC PRO TOUR OPENER

Amateur Richard Hooper won the opening event of the new Celtic Pro Tour in a dramatic sudden-death play-off with Challenge Tour and former European Tour professional Stuart Manley at Pyle and Kenfig Golf Club on Tuesday.
The two, who played together in the last pairing, both finished on two under par 140 after 36 holes at the South Wales Open.
The play-off was played over the first three holes, and spectators were treated to some spectacular golf with both players recording birdie threes on the first hole, with two solid pars on the second.
The third hole saw Manley (ISM/ Mountain Ash) hit his approach shot over the back of the green, allowing Hooper (Neath) to play safe into the heart of the green. Although Manley produced a sparkling return chip, which almost dropped into the hole, Hooper stayed calm and sank a 12 foot putt to win the trophy with another birdie.
Last season’s Dragon Tour Order of Merit winner, Alex Smith, who had been suffering from a debilitating stomach virus since last Friday, fought well on his home course to shoot a one under par 70 in round two to put himself once again in the prize money, in third place.
The 2006 Order of Merit runner up, Tom Davies (Machynys Peninsula), was again consistent, and claimed fourth spot, with James Shield (The Oxfordshire) fifth and David Price (Aber Wrought Iron / http://www.vale-hotel.com/) sixth.
“We had some fantastic weather this week, which certainly added to the occasion,” said Tour director Rhydian Thomas. “The Pyle and Kenfig course was in great condition, and all golfers were very complimentary about the standard of the greens.
“For Richard to win this event, he had to come from behind, against a quality European and Challenge Tour golfer of Stuart’s ability. In fact, after shooting 69 in regulation play, and then getting birdies on two of the extra holes, you could say he was 4 under par over 21 holes. We just hope he had enough strength left to play in a County matchplay event that same evening !”
The Tour encompasses events in Scotland, Ireland and Wales.
Golfers can still join the Tour, with annual membership costing £175 for professionals, and event entry priced at £99. Amateur golfers with a scratch handicap or better can also enter events at a cost of £55, and don’t need to pay membership. Prize money at each event will be at least £1,000 to the winner, with the top 25% in the field winning money also. A voucher will be available to the leading amateur.
Golfers wishing to enter the next event, the West Wales Open at Gower Golf Club next Monday 11th & Tuesday 12th June, should contact Rhydian Thomas on 07861 686568 or register online at the website at http://www.celticpro.com/ by 5pm Saturday 9th June
The Gower event is quickly followed by the Tour’s first venture into Ireland at Seafield Golf Club for the Wexford Open on Monday June 18th and Tuesday June 25th.

SCOREBOARD FROM SOUTH WALES OPEN
Pyle & Kenfig Golf Club.
Par 142 (2 x 71).
140 Richard Hooper (am) 71 69, Stuart Manley 70 70 (Hooper won play-off).
144 Alex Smith 74 70.
148 Tom Davies 74 74.
149 James Shield 74 75.
150 David Price 76 74, Ryan Thomas (am) 75 75.
151 Ian Brown 78 73, Matthew Griffiths 75 76, Adam Lee 72 79, Matthew Hollis 72 79.
152 Kevin Goude (am) 77 75, Alun Evans 75 77.
154 Eurig Williams 81 73, Chris Cousins 80 74.
157 Chris Gray 80 76, Leon Clark 79 77.
158 Leighton James 80 78.
159 Spencer Vickery 81 78, Mark Govier 80 79.
160 Mike Thorne 80 80, Darren Legg 74 86.
161 Huw James 77 84.
163 Andy Lambert 76 87.
167 George Watts 89 78.
168 Scott Davies 87 81, Arthur Thompson 80 83.

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