The Dorset Open got under way after a 30 minute delay due to frost but with the sun shining we were soon under way on a course which had been presented in excellent condition for the event where the Amateurs pit their skills against the Professionals. There were 72 in the field which included golfers from around the country and last year’s winners Lee James Broadstone back to defend the trophy being the only winner so far and Hillamsland winner David Cook also back to try and defend his Trophy.
With the County team having been at Dudsbury throughout the winter months expectations were high for an amateur win this year but the best in in the morning was Josh Moses Sherborne with a one under 70 Josh has not been in the squad this winter. Tom Robson was closely on his tail with a fine 71. The Professionals dominated the remaining places with Lee James 4 under followed by Mark Wiggett on 3 under and Martyn Thompson on 2 under. A further six players including Vice-Captain Dean Barnes were level and Corey Sheppard from High Post was on 72.
For the first round scores click here.
So it was going to be a battle for any amateur to break the professional dominance but the afternoon round got under way and the temperature was dropping as the wind had the bite back in it. That said the golf was still of a high standard, David Norton was the best amateur in the afternoon with a fine one under 70 still proving he can get it around. Martyn Thompson had the best round with another fine 69 and with Mark Wiggett slipping back with a level 71 we waited to see how Lee would fair and a great up and down on the last made sure of a one under par 70 and the trophy by one from Martyn. Luke Joy had a good 70 moving him up the field to fourth. Corey Sheppard was going great but a couple of dropped shots saw him home in 72 but this was good enough in the end to secure the Hillamsland Trophy after Tom Robson and Josh Moses slipped down the field with a 76.
Aaron Crabb Yeovil did well with a good 75 and secured tenth place. Overall the day belonged to our Professionals who again showed the Amateurs that they need to work harder if they are going to knock them of the top spot. Congratulations to Lee James who dedicated the win to his late father and young Cory Sheppard from Wiltshire.
For the second round scores click here
For the 36 hole totals click here.
We wish to thank all who took part and Dudsbury Golf Club for hosting the event, let’s hope for an Amateur win in 2014.