JOE DEAN RETAINS WESTWOOD CROWN

Sheffield Union and Lindrick's England A squad player Joe Dean set a tournament record to retain the Lee Westwood Trophy at Rotherham Golf Cup last night.

The 20-year-old Lindrick star led from the start in the 72-hole world-ranking event and never looked like relinquishing his grasp on the silverware he won last year.

His record score of 266 was one shot lower than previous best set by Gary Wolstenholme in 2008 which was some achievement considering the blustery conditions on a tough course.

His 12-shot margin of victory over England A squad teammates Robert Burlison of Oxley Park and Meltham’s Jamie Bower summed up Dean’s play over the week.

Never over par, his four rounds of 67, 64, 65 and 70 included a low that was only 2 off the course record.

The 20 year old said: “ I played steadily all week. The driver was working well and the putts dropped.”

He started the final round yesterday afternoon 11 shots ahead at 14 under par but a bogey at the first tested his nerve. He steadied the ship with four pars and the four birdies that followed finally put the result beyond any doubt.

Despite scoring two double bogies in the round he recorded five consecutive 3s on the back nine.

“I was probably a bit too relaxed at the start of the final round which is why I started with a bogey. But I stuck to my game and continued to be aggressive because it had worked all week.”

Dean a +2 handicapper at the start of the tournament, has set himself the ambition of reaching the 2015 Walker Cup squad before considering turning professional.

“I will definitely remain amateur next year but will be looking for a quick start and hope to get a sniff at the Walker Cup but it will not be the all and end all if I don’t make it.”

The Lee Westwood Trophy is one of England’s top amateur events held annually at Rotherham Golf Club.  This year was the 10^th event and was competed by a full field of 141 players from all over the UK. It also attracted players from Abu Dhabi, Hong Hong and two young men Chen Chen and Sen Cao who had travelled from China with their coach David Watson for their first experience of UK golf.

Return to News Page

Created by intelligentgolf version 10.1.2.