Copt Heath’s Louis Sanders claimed the Hertfordshire Bowl in dramatic circumstances as heavy rain curtailed the 72-hole open event with the leaders preparing to finish their penultimate hole at Moor Park.
The 22-year-old was playing alongside his nearest challenger Rob Watkins (Hadley Wood) and was faced with a 20-foot putt while his partner was in the bunker. The duo were tied for the lead.
But the green was deemed unplayable and the final round was not able to be completed meaning Sanders saw off former two-time winner Watkins and Tom Farrow-Smith (North Hants) by one shot.
It was a big step forward for the plus four handicapper, who is playing as a full-time amateur for the first time this year and he hopes to carry on his good form into the prestigious Lagonda Trophy at Gog Magog GC (May 26-27).
Although there is one area of his game that does require some work.
“Funnily enough I really struggled with the putter all week,” said Sanders. “I didn’t hole anything outside of ten feet. It was a good job I was putting my irons close.”
The Midlander was certainly on target in the first round when he went bogey free on his way to a superb four under par 66 at Porters Park, host for the first two rounds. That left him four ahead but Watkins opened his second round by holing his approach at the par four for an eagle on his way to a 70 and he backed that up with an excellent 71 on Sunday morning at Moor Park.
The Hertfordshire’s Greg Hurley collected the Hertfordshire Stag trophy – for rounds played at Moor Park – thanks to his three under 69, which included five birdies.