STOP PRESS

Congratulations to Links Newmarket's Ben Kerr for his win in the above event.

Ben needed to finish no worse than second in the final ranking event to be sure of taking the Trophy. In fact with rounds of a morning three under 69 and an afternoon score of 75 meant he not only won the Order of Merit but the prestigious Trentham Punch Bowl as well. The tournament was played at Trentham Golf Club near Stoke on Trent and a previous winner was the great Sandy Lyle.

There are eleven qualifying events for the Order Of Merit and Ben played in ten of them where all top amateurs from all twelve Midland Golf Union Counties are eligible. Ben was leading by 42.5 points from Matt Whelband of Leicestershire prior to the last event but his further win took him to 507.5 points with Ryan Brown on 400 in second place and Whelband finishing with 395 points in third place.

His handicap is presently +1.4 which in fact now makes him eligible for the forthcoming Italian Open Amateur Championship near Milan on 19-23 September.

Following a very successful year Ben has decided to stay as an amateur for another year before making any decisions about his future.

Finally -we all wish Ben a very successful future and congratulate him wholeheartedly on his latest win.  Well done Ben.