Leicestershire’s Scott Wormleighton emerged victorious at the English Mid-Amateur Open Stroke Play Championship held at Orsett Golf Club in Essex, clinching the title with a final round 69 and a three-under-par total of 213 over 54 holes. The competition, first played for in 1988 and also known as the Logan Trophy, is open to amateur golfers aged 35 and over. Wormleighton’s impressive performance saw him finish three shots ahead of last year’s champion David Corben.
Reflecting on his win, Wormleighton expressed his elation, calling it the biggest win of his golfing career. He credited his success to a strong start, with birdies on the first two holes setting the tone for his game. The golfer emphasized the importance of hitting fairways and keeping the ball in play, particularly using 2-irons off the tee to maintain accuracy. Despite the challenging wet and windy conditions, Wormleighton’s strategic play paid off, making him the only player in the field to finish under par.
Starting the final day two shots behind leader Joseph Deraney from the United States, Wormleighton quickly gained ground with a birdie chip on the first hole and continued his momentum with birdies on three of the first five holes. While Corben faced early setbacks with bogeys, he mounted a comeback with birdies to stay in contention. However, Deraney faltered on the back-nine, ultimately finishing tied-4th after struggling with five bogeys in the last six holes.
Maintaining his composure in the rain, Wormleighton secured his victory with a final score of -3, the only player in the tournament to finish under par. Corben’s consistent play earned him second place with three level-par rounds of 72, while Stuart Archibald claimed third place with a score of +2. Local player Shaun Mills of Orsett Golf Club impressed with five birdies on the final day, finishing tied-4th on +4, alongside fellow club member Jason Renton who showcased his skills with an eagle and five birdies.
On a day where only three players finished under par, Andy Grimwood of St Neots made a strong push with five birdies in a round of -1, securing a tied-6th finish. The competitive field featured 129 players, with Wormleighton standing out as the standout performer in challenging conditions. As he celebrated his victory, the champion looked forward to enjoying a few beers and a takeaway meal after a long drive home, relishing his well-deserved triumph. The final leaderboard showcased his dominance, underscoring the skill and determination that propelled Wormleighton to success in the prestigious tournament.
