Lamb’s birdie blitz nets BIGGA National title

St Alban’s sunshine smiled upon the 30th anniversary celebrations of the BIGGA National Championship as Chris Lamb claimed victory at Verulam Golf Club.

Thirty years after BIGGA hosted its first national championship for greenkeepers, the association returned to Verulam, made famous as the ‘Home of the Ryder Cup’ due to Samuel Ryder, who was a member at the club when he came up with the concept of the trans-Atlantic competition.

Overnight leader Chris, of Trump International Golf Scotland, shot a 4-under par total across the 36-hole competition to claim the BIGGA Challenge Trophy.

The +4 handicapper’s round included seven birdies and with four holes to play he sat one shot behind runner-up Tom Workman, of Minchinhamption.

In a duel reminiscent of Jordan Spieth versus Matt Kuchar at The Open, two birdies in the final three holes propelled Chris to victory. The 23-year-old said: “It was probably one pf the best duels I have been involved with. The fact that we both played pretty good helped.

“When I went one behind I said to myself ‘Come on, let’s do this’ and I was lucky enough top be able to pull it back.

“Going into the tournament I didn’t think I would win, but once we hit our tee shots on the 18th and he went into a bunker, I realised that a par would probably be enough to see me over the line.

“It’s very special to have won the event, especially on its 30th anniversary, and I’m looking forward to defending my title next year.”

BIGGA Chief Executive Jim Croxton thanked the team at Verulam for inviting the association back to the venue, and for being excellent hosts.

He said: “Having played a few holes with Chris Carpenter MG, the course manager, I can confirm that he provided his fellow BIGGA members with a tough test of their golfing ability. The course is in spectacular condition and I can’t think of a better setting for the 30th anniversary of our national tournament. I would like to thank Chris and his team for their efforts and for allowing BIGGA to write our own chapter in the history of this prestigious venue.

“Congratulations also to Christopher Lamb for showing us all how it’s done with some incredible golf. He fought off some tough competition to become BIGGA National Champion 2017.

“I look forward to seeing everyone at Gullane for the BIGGA National Championship 2018.”

The BIGGA National Championship was made possible once again thanks to the generous sponsorship of Charterhouse and Kubota.

Charterhouse’s Nick Darking said: “We are delighted to be part of the 30th anniversary celebrations at Verulam. Congratulations to Chris and the team for presenting the course so well, and here’s to the next 30 years of the tournament.”

The BIGGA National Championship 2018 will be held at Gullane Golf Club, East Lothian.

Prize list

Day two

BIGGA Challenge Trophy (Best gross over 36 holes)

1st: Chris Lamb, Trump International Golf Scotland

2nd: Tom Workman, Minchinhampton

3rd: Cassidy Steffens, Orsett

4th: Ross McCarthy, Crews Hill

5th: Oly Browning, Stocks

BIGGA Challenge Cup (Stableford over 36 holes)

1st: Adam Clark, Muswell Hill, 68 points (on countback)

2nd: Danny Burchell, Piltdown, 68 points

3rd: George Grimes, Garon Park, 67 points

BIGGA Challenge Plate (Stableford over 18 holes)

1st: Steve Jones, Stoneham, 36 points

BIGGA Challenge Bowl (Affiliate prize)

1st: Derek Cunliffe, Rigby Taylor

Nearest the pin: Chris Lamb, Trump International Golf Scotland

Longest drive: Ross McCarthy, Crews Hill

+2-5 category

1st: Derek McJannet, Matlock

6-12 category

1st: Dave Allen, Pyecombe

13-24 category

1st: Asa English, Rothley Park

Day one

Team

1st: South East, Derek Cunliffe, Cassidy Steffans, Ross McCarthy;

2nd: South West & South Wales, Tom Workman, Leigh Mordy, Nathaniel Riddett, Steven Jones

+2 ??“ 5 category

1st: Cassidy Steffens, Orsett Golf Club

6 ??“ 12 category

1st: Derek Cunliffe, Rigby Taylor

13 ??“ 24 category

1st: Terry Carver, RAF Marham Golf Club

Nearest the pin: Nick Roberts, Hendon Golf Club

Longest drive: Mark Thompson, The Richmond (London)

from BIGGA Updates http://bigga.org.uk/about-us/news/lambs-birdietional-title/00971.html
via IFTTT

source https://pestdeterrentservices.tumblr.com/post/166006908363