Graham Burroughs and Robert Hubbard win

play-off climax to PGA Super 60s' event

FROM THE PROFESSIONAL GOLFERS ASSOCIATION WEBSITE
Long-serving Boyce Hill (near Southend) professional Graham Burroughs capped his 35th year at the Essex club by claiming the PGA Super 60s title with the assistance of amateur partner Robert Hubbard.
A year after finishing second, Burroughs made a step up the top of the podium - but only after two extra holes of a sudden death play-off against former Teignmouth professional Peter Ward and his partner Ian Turner after both pairs tied at 11-under-par at Worcestershire's famed Blackwell Golf Club.
Ward ensured their would be the need for a play-off after sinking a tricky four-four putt at the last to card a second round six-under-par 64, one shot shy off the best of the week 63 by Burroughs and Hubbard, who began the day two shots behind the leaders.
After regrouping, both professionals parred the first play-hole, the par four first, before Burroughs claimed victory at the par three second, tapping in for par after his birdie effort lipped out having landed his tee shot just five feet from the pin.
It capped an impressive day for Burroughs and Hubbard, both former school friends, and went part way towards the disappointment of being second 12 months earlier.
"Nothing can really make up for last year but it really is such a nice thing to win," said Burroughs.
"Robert played well and it was a shame for the others to lose, but I am very pleased to have won.
"We dovetailed really well, I had a few birdies and Robert used his shots well. The last hole was the one that saved our bacon as I hit my second shot in the bunker but got it up and down, which helped.
"It was then an anxious wait and we were hoping there wouldn't be a play-off then Peter sunk his putt to draw level, so it was a very nice when we eventually won."
It was a unique experience for 61-year-old Hubbard, who savoured his two day in the heat of battle with the professionals.
"Graham played great and held it together making that par to win, which was great and I just feel elated," he said.
"Playing with the pros at this level you see how they play and so when you do something nice and come in when you can, it's fantastic.
"I've thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience as I've never been involved in anything like this before."
As for the vanquished Ward, who added a 64 to the opening day 65 with Turner, he attempted to take the positives out of the play-off defeat.
"I'm disappointed but I went round in 66 and played really good to be in my first play-off for a good few years," he said.
"I had a feeling when I was the 18th the putt would get us in the play-off and it was good to see it go in.
"Despite losing, this has been a good week. I haven't played an awful lot as I've been in France for the past five years so I really enjoyed the competition. This was the first opportunity I've had to play in it as I was in France last year when I became eligible."
Royal Guernsey's Norman Wood and amateur Steve Wild compiled a second round 65 to claim third place at seven-under-par 133, with 2007 champions Iain Clark and partner Colin Day fourth at five-under-par.
LEADING FINAL TOTALS
Par 140 (2x70)
129 Graham Burroughs (Boyce Hill) & amateur Robert Hubbard 66 63 (£1,250 to pro).
129 (btn at 2nd hole of play-off) Peter Ward (unatt) & amateur Ian Turner 65 64 (£1,000 to pro).
133 Norman D Wood (Royal Guernsey) & amateur Steve Wild 68 65 (£800 to pro).
135 Iain Clark (unatt) & amateur Colin Day 66 69 (£650 t0 pro).