James Shaw triumphs after epic play off

A tense four player play off was a fitting climax to decide the 2023 Champion. 

It was James who finally prevailed at the fifth extra hole to register his second tour title. James was the joint leader going into the final round and had a chance to clinch the title on the 18th hole of regulation, so showed great fortitude in ultimately claiming victory, James also shot the lowest score of the day, a 38 in round 2.

Steve Lovell had to settle for the runners up spot, this was the sixth time Steve has finished second at Dunton Hills which is a remarkable record in itself. Ed Pope clawed back a six shot deficit going into the final round to make the play off and take third place. Paul Tutt, the joint leader going into the final round, had to settle for fourth place.

Any of the four players would have been a worthy winner.

James speaking after securing his second tour victory “I am pleased with my performance, considering the circumstances and to get the win at a tough course like Dunton Hills is a great achievement for me, it could have gone either way between me Steve, Ed and Paul, it was just great to get over the line and get the job done” 

Simon Brown (Aces) won the Cat 2 Gold Medal, after a play off with Luke Ryan (Hastings), both Simon and Luke scored 136 and finished in equal sixth place overall. Adrian Amey (Strokes) secured another podium place, this time the Bronze Medal with a score of 143.

In Cat 3/4, Neil Tann (Strokes) took the Gold Medal, his first category title, with a score of 144. John Sharp (Thanet) beat team mate Shelley Cooper in a play off for the Silver Medal, both scoring 148.

Stephen Skinner (Wales) took the Aces Champion prize with Two Aces.

Full Results from the event can be found at: https://www.bmga.online/results/2023/2023DO/straight.htm

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