Big-hitting Phillips storms to seventh-round success

JOHN Phillips made the most of his long hitting ability as the seniors played the seventh round of the Dawn Patrol League at Derllys Court Golf Club.

With the course set up nicely for some good scores, it was somewhat of a surprise that there were only two high-scoring rounds.

And 22-handicapper Phillips took first place with an exceptional score of 43 stableford points. He recorded three pars and no double bogeys in his opening nine holes of 23 points.

With a steady back nine to follow, his winning score was two points ahead of second-placed Wyn M Evans, who was playing off 26, with the next player trailing by a further three points.

Third place went to countback as 14-handicappers Huw Hafod Jones and Meirion Evans tied on 38 points. Jones took the verdict thanks to a better final three holes.

In a tight fight for the remaining prizes, Julian Bowen, Tom Thomas, Graham Owens and Alan Hire all followed with 37, with Phil Jones, Wynne Evans, Peter Webb and Nicky Goldsmith following with 36.

Jones’s consistent play, and third place, secured another eight league points and stretches his lead at the top of the table to 11 points.

With just three rounds remaining, his nearest challengers Owens and Phil Mountjoy have a lot to do if they are to overtake him at this late stage.

The seniors’ championship takes place this week with the best gross score over the two-day 36-hole competition taking the President’s Cup.

The best net score will be rewarded with the Captain’s Trophy, and the Veterans Shield will be won by the best net score from a veteran member.