On a day of excellent scoring it was going to take something out of the ordinary to come out on top at the Wilmslow leg of the England Golf Seniors Series and Woburn’s John Fulton certainly did that to win the third of eight qualifying events.
The 69-year-old, who is originally from Hawick in Southern Scotland, finished with 44 points on the Cheshire course thanks to an extraordinary run of scoring around the turn. Starting at the fifth he reeled off ten pars in a row.
The 15 handicapper won by two points from Huddersfield’s Stephen Henry, who looked on course to eclipse John until a double bogey seven at the 18th cost him dear. Despite blobbing the last he piled up 22 points on the back nine and qualifies for the August final along with the rest of the top ten, who were all under their par.
For the winner it was a welcome relief to form and he is looking forward to the final at Woodhall Spa having qualified for the showpiece event many times before.
“I think that’s my best round of the season by about ten shots,” said the Woburn member of 37 years standing.
Remaining Seniors Series qualifiers:
• June 16th: Saunton (East Course)
• June 23rd: High Post
• June 30th: Berkhamsted
• July 7th: Pannal
• July 21st: Stowmarket
“The funny thing is I couldn’t hole the shortish putts for birdies but managed to hole the par putts. It was great to have a run like that. I managed to get up and down a couple of times and even when I was off 5 or 6, I don’t ever remember stringing together 10 pars.
“But the course was in beautiful condition and I think being third out helped me. It was a hot day and the greens were already quick when I played them so can only have gotten quicker.”
John racked up nine three-pointers on a day when many of the 121 entrants played some excellent stuff.
Maxstoke Park’s Nicholas Earl (6) qualified in fifth as he shot a one over par gross 73, which included three birdies.
The next qualifier takes place in Devon at Saunton Golf Club on June 16th.