LOCAL courses Hindhead and Blackmoor were again Regional Open Qualifier venues on Monday. For the first time in many years, the competitors had fine weather, and the scores reflected the better conditions.
The Hindhead course, which featured in Tuesday's Daily Telegraph, was in immaculate condition, thanks to Steve Holmes and his team. All the players spoke highly of the course and especially the consistent speed of the fast greens.
The eventual winner was Bruce Parker, a professional from Brockenhurst Golf Club, who with a gross score of 67 was one stroke ahead of four players on 68: Mark Booker (Royal Mid Surrey), James Heath (Coome Wood), Mark Benka (Walton Heath) and Ben Banks (West Surrey), the first three all being amateurs. A total of eight players broke 70, the normal standard scratch for the course. A further nine competitors scored 71, standard scratch for the day, and the play-off meant that the action continued until 9 pm.
Dick Hartley was once again the Hindhead Golf Club organiser and managed to persuade many members to offer their services for several hours during the day. The catering was, as usual, of a very high standard.
Open Qualifying scores:
Hindhead: 67 - B Parker; 68 - M Booker, J Heath, M Benka, B Banks; 69 - R Fenwick, S Cooper, D Osborn; 70 - R Edwards, K Staunton, M Homewood.
Blackmoor: 64 - D Bragg; 65 - C Challen; 66 - D Ryles, M Hazelden, P Carr; 67 - F Mansoon (Sweden), B White; 68 - C Rowse, P Robshaw, M Woods, J Harris.