Alistair Fiddes is top Scot in Kent. British Seniors Amateur Championship at Royal Cinque Ports (Deal) & Prince’s (Sandwich)
With both courses stretched to around 7,000 yards it was inevitable that high level experience would be a major benefit and so the battle hardened, globe trotting U.S. contingent extended their recent rich pickings from the British. The winner, Paul Simson of the USA, managed to avoid three putting in his last two rounds and this set the foundation for victory. Everyone else struggled on fast undulating greens in strong and variable winds. Alistair was no different and felt that lack of exposure to greens of that pace in windy conditions was the main factor in the gap between himself and Simson. Indeed in a roller coaster last round he stood on the 9th tee level par with still an outside chance of victory. His one bad tee shot of the tournament then led to a lost ball. This was recovered with birdies at 13,14 and 16 only to be followed by 3 putts at each of the last few holes. Ally however remained elated by his performance which built on a very good third place in the recent Italian Seniors. To emphasise the toughness of the conditions Aly reports having had to play a full driver to a par three just over 200 yards and that he played so many 3 and 4 irons he may have to get them re-grooved. Other good Scottish performances came from David Downie and Donnie McCart on 231 and Brian Grieve and John Johnston on 232. John had three sevens in his last round of 80 and this cost him a top 20 placing. Overall much to build on for a Scottish assault on next year’s championship which will be at Prestwick and Prestwick St Nicholas.
Other leading Scots |