St Ives hosts successful County Open as supported by Titleist & FootJoy

The County Open was held on a glorious Sunday at the St Ives Golf Club. The course was looking resplendent after extensive bunker renovations and the greens running at a good pace after being cut and ironed that morning.

There was a full field of 65 golfers competing for this prestigious trophy, including the holder Paul Maddy from the Gog Magog Golf Club and 10 other fellow professionals. The 54 amateur golfers competing for the trophy also had a chance to win the best amateur Scratch Salver and the John Durman Handicap Trophy.

Our generous sponsors Titleist & FootJoy had provided many prizes for the amateurs and there was £2000 for the professionals to play for.

The early leader with a 73 was Toby Saunders from Brampton Park. His lead didn’t last long though as Craig Thorburn from Ramsey Golf Club came in with a brilliant round of 67. he had a bogey at the 1st and then had 6 birdies and no more dropped shots. 

News filtered through that Isaac Rowlands was 4 under at the turn. Isaac, formerly of Ely City GC is now assistant at the well renowned The Grove GC near St Albans. Unfortunately he couldn’t keep the good run going but still finished with a creditable 70 gross to lie in 2nd place after the first round. Other good scores came from Sam Hewson of Brampton Park, George Howard of Gog Magog on 71, and County legend Jodie Greenall, now at Woburn GC with a level par 72. 

Defending champion Paul Maddy was off the pace with a 74 after finding 8 bunkers in his first 10 holes.

Leading the John Durman Handicap Trophy at lunch was local favourite Simon Russell with an excellent 69 net. 

In the afternoon the breeze got stronger and the course was holding up well against some of the County’s best players.

Isaac Rowlands couldn’t maintain his 1st round form and fell away with a 77 for a total of 147, whilst Paul Maddy avoided the bunkers and recorded a level par round of 72 for a total of 146.

It was left to 1st round leader Craig who held his nerve in the afternoon round to record a 76, which included a 7 at the 17 hole, and a winning total of 143, 1 under par. A great championship win from the Ramsey man, a former County player for many years and very well deserved.

One of the best performances of the day came from CAGU junior Rohan Neat of Ely City who added a 71 to his morning round of 74 for an excellent total of 145 and the runners up spot. he also took home the Scratch Silver Salver as leading amateur.

Simon Russell maintained his steady play to win the John Durman Handicap Trophy with 69 72 =141 net.

There were 9 amateur prizes and 6 cash prizes for the professionals. The under 21 prize went to Tristan Evans of Gog Magog with a score of 155 gross. 

Many thanks to the St Ives Golf club for their generous hospitality and service throughout the long day and to County Vice President Michael Smith for all his help on the day.

Another special mention to our sponsors Titleist and FootJoy who without their generous support, this major event would not take place.

Next year’s County Open will take place at the Ely City Golf Club on Sunday 16th August.

Return to News Page

Created by intelligentgolf version 10.1.2.