Mann up at Senior PGA Professional Championship

Fraser Mann has won The Senior PGA Professional Championship at Foxhills with a six-shot victory margin. Mann, who had chalked up top 10 finishes on his previous two appearances in the championship, never looked in danger of surrendering the title having seen his overnight one shot advantage ease to three after the first hole.

A steady round containing two birdies and two bogeys, for a level par 73 on the Bernard Hunt course, was more than ample to win The Bernard Hunt Trophy and the £5,250 first prize. Victory also secured his place at Close House next month to compete in the ISPS Handa PGA Senior Championship. He will be joined at the Newcastle venue by joint runners-up Brian Sharrock (BFS Trading Ltd) and Roger Tuddenham (Hedge End Golf Centre), who finished on four-over-par for the championship.

Defending champion Kenny Hutton (Downfield) finished in a share of fourth place at five-over after a final round of 74. He was joined by John Harrison (Matfen Hall), whose hopes of a first title were dashed after he closed with a 79.

Commenting Mann said, “It’s just great. I’ve won a few things in Scotland but this is my first national title. I played really nicely today and all week and I have just enjoyed it. I birdied the first and I felt fine after that. I was bit nervous at first but I hit an approach to ten feet and holed it and that was my little cushion. I wasn’t playing anyone else or looking at the scoreboard. I was just trying to play the course today at par or better. Having won, it’s now straight back on the road as I’m coaching at 9.00am tomorrow at Carnoustie, so this has been a great bonus to come away, have a break and catch up with friends.”