Scots out of money as Belt beats Clayton in

play-off for Welsh Open Young Pros' title

The four Scots in the field finished well out of the money as Yorkshire's Alex Belt revealed a bedroom putting mat was to thank for his title-winning putt as he kick-started his season in style with victory in the Ryder Cup Wales 2010 Welsh Open Young PGA Professional Championship.
The 23-year-old Bridlington Links professional sank a 15ft birdie putt in a play-off against Hindhead's Ben Clayton after the pair tied at level par 140 after a regulation 36 holes over Anglesey's challenging Bull Bay course.
Belt, who carded consecutive rounds of 70, secured a payout of £1,800 and also earned an invite to play in the SWALEC Wales Challenge Tour event in July.
The Yorkshireman, who finished ninth last year, showed tremendous resilience as he battled a bug and Bull Bay's infamous winds to get his season off to an unexpected flying start.
"I felt a bit iffy all day but the adrenaline pulls you out of it," said Belt.
"This is good start to the season because normally it's my downfall, but hopefully it's a good sign of things to come.
Belt, who finished in the group ahead of Clayton, was forced to ensure a nervy wait as his rival had a birdie putt at the last to claim the honours. But he left it two foot short to ensure a play off.
On their return to the 18th green, Clayton chipped from the fringes and left it two foot shy again and Belt capitalised sinking the 15-footer.
"I hadn't holed a putt all day, which had been a bit of a downfall, but that one at the last made up for it," said Belt, whose round.
"I've got a 12 foot putting mat in my bedroom and it paid off. All I was thinking about was that put.
"Before then I was watching Ben after he came down the last hole and I could see him holing his putt, but he didn't which was lucky for me."
Clayton, who was making his first and last appearance in the event as he turns 30 next month, making him ineligible for next year, was not dejected following the defeat.
"It's all right to be honest. For him to make that birdie is pretty good," he said.
"It's the last time I can play in it so that's reason I came. I've enjoyed it and it's been a great week.
"I can take away some confidence from this but I knew there was a Challenge Tour spot available and that's what I wanted as I was on there in 2002 and wanted another crack at it.
"But that aside, it's been a real good event and everyone associated with Bull Bay has been very supportive."
Overnight leaders George Cowan (Westerhope) and Martyn Hamer (Ellesmere) both carded two-over-par 72s to finish in a share of third place on one-over-par 141.
John Jermine, Chairman of Ryder Cup Wales, said: "Ryder Cup Wales has been delighted to work with the PGA to bring the best young golfers in the UK to Anglesey and all of us have enjoyed watching some wonderful golf, at Bull Bay, on one of our hidden gems."
Heritage Minister, Alun Ffred Jones, said: "I'm delighted to be here today at Bull Bay in order to officially launch the Ryder Cup Wales 'Summer of Golf' programme of events, which provide an excellent opportunity to showcase some of our most spectacular courses.
"The first event in the summer schedule has seen the very best young talent we have here in Wales who are eager to make it into the top rankings to gain a place on the Challenge and European Tours.
"The tournament has provided them with a great opportunity to experience professional, competitive golf and I wish them all every success in the future."
The highest placed Scot was Lee Harper (Archerfield Links) in a share of 77th place with scores of 81 and 80 for 161.
Lee Mackie from Stirling tied for 83rd place with 78 and 84 for 162.
Brodie MacDonald, a Scot attached to The Belfry staff had scores of 82 and 85 for 167 and a share of 102nd place.
Christopher Tierney from Airdire shot 85 and 83 for 168 and joint 104th place in a field of 120.
LEADING FINAL TOTALS
140 Alex Belt (Bridlington Links) 70 70 (£1,800), Ben Clayton (Hindhead) 70 70 (£1,250). Belt won play-off.
141 Martyn Hamer (Ellesmere) 69 72, George Cowan (Westerhope) 69 72 (£881.25 each).
144 Matthew Davies (Rhuddlan) 73 71, Clifford Gough (West Hill) 73 71, Alex Smith (Trentham Park) 71 73 (£454.16 each).
145 Liam Clarke (West Middlesex) 76 69, Joe Senior (Heysham) 75 70, John-Paul Banbury (Moor Hall) 72 73 (£333.33 each).
146 Gareth Jones (Sandiway) 72 74, Paul Grannell (Eng) 72 74, Guiseppe Licate (Hambrook DR) 72 74 (£262.50 each).
147 Ben Welch (Remedy Oak) 74 73 (£237.50).
Scots' scores:
161 Lee Harper (Archerfield Links) 81 80 (jt 77th).
162 Lee Mackie 78 84 (jt 83rd).
167 Brodie MacDonald (The Belfry) 82 85 (jt 102nd).
168 Christophere Tierney (Airdrie) 85 83 (jt 104th).