WELSHMAN RICHARD JOHNSON

RUNNER-UP ON NATIONWIDE TOUR

US-based Welshman Richard Johnson picked up a $54,000 cheque for finishing second in the US Nationwide Tour event, the Utah Energy Solutions champion at Willow Creek Country Club, on Sunday.

Richard, a one-time graduate of Augusta State University, comes from Cardiff and turned pro in the States in the mid-1990s.

He had rounds of 67, 64, 67 and 68 for 18-under-par 266, finishing two shots behind the $90,000 first prize winner,American Franklin Langham with 63, 67, 66 and 68 for 20-under 264.

Keith Nolan from Ireland finished joint 50th on 277 while Martin Laird had one of his poorer weekends on the Nationwide Tour. Martin had double bogeys at the short seventh and the par-4 ninth in a closing 72.

Martin finished joint 63rd on 281 and earned $1,412.

LEADING FINAL TOTALS

264 Franklin Langham (US) 63 67 66 68 ($90,000).

266 Richard Johnson (Wal) 67 64 67 68 ($54,000).

Other totals:

277 Keith Nolan (Ire) 68 68 68 73 (jt 50th) ($1,700).

281 Martin Laird (Sco) 68 69 72 72 (jt 63rd) ($1,412)