6 days ago
Reid clinches Norfolk seniors' crown after dramatic finale
Iain Reid landed his first Norfolk Seniors Championship title in dramatic fashion when he defeated Mark Williamson in a play-off at Mundesley Golf Club.
Sheringham golfer Wiliamson fired a two-over-par 70 – including a triple bogey at the 16th hole – before enduring a lengthy wait to see if his score could be matched.
Ninety minutes later, Reid signed for the same total after a rollercoaster round that began with four straight bogies.
The Eaton Golf Club captain fought his way back in typically determined style and an eagle at the 15th left him at one-over-par.
Dropped shots on 16 and 17 came as fresh blows, but Reid had one last ace up his sleeve and closed out with a birdie to tie Williamson.
That left the pair facing a play-off and at the first extra hole – Mundesley's par-3 opener – both men found the green with their tee-shots.
But Williamson was unable to make par from a tricky spot above the cup and Reid coolly two-putted to secure his three and the outright victory.
Ex-Norfolk seniors captain Reid said: 'I was lucky that Mark had that downhill putt, which was difficult to leave close and I was able to make my par from where my tee shot had finished.
'It's a great thrill to win this title. The course was in fantastic condition, especially the greens which were the best we've played on all year, but I had to battle with the windy conditions all day.'
There was some compensation for Williamson, who won the Scratch Team Shield alongside fellow Sheringham members Jon Batten and Simon Folbigg.
Paul Ellis, receiving 10 strokes, emerged victorious in the Seniors Handicap Championship. He carded an impressive net 67 (one-under-par) to pip fellow Mundesley member Mark Cushion by a single shot.
Ellis also took first prize in both the over-70s Super Seniors scratch and handicap events. And to cap a very successful day he joined forces with Richard Stackwood and Chris Cutting to win the Team Handicap Shield for the host club.
A field of nearly 60 took part in testing windy conditions with Stuart Goodman, Norfolk County Golf Union president, awarding the prizes and thanking Mundesley Golf Club and its members for hosting a great championship.
