Swan soars clear of field

MICHAEL Swan of Stoke by Nayland collected the MacKenzie Cup as Suffolk junior stroke play champion in sweltering conditions at Woodbridge Golf Club where many players were wilting in the heat.

Swan, one of the most improved players in the county over the past 18 months, led after an opening round of one under par 69.

He maintained his concentration during his second round on a day when parched fairways produced some cruel bounces and fast greens resulted in costly putting errors.

Runner-up, six shots behind, was Hugo Dobson of Fynn Valley, who will have been frustrated by his morning round of 78 but battled on for a 72 in the afternoon that included successive birdies at the 14th and 15th holes.

Chris Gooding of Ipswich would have been runner-up had he not been disqualified for signing for a wrong score.

It all goes to show the importance of double-checking the card before handing it in. It was unfortunate, especially after his excellent opening round of 70.

Harry Hogg of Fynn Valley, who has made the break through to become a single-figure player, finished in third place with rounds of 74 and 80. Hogg was also third in the Fynn Valley club championship and is a name to watch. He is only 15 and on the way up.The holder, Scott Brace of Stoke by Nayland, was below his best in the morning and left himself with too much to do in the second round.

The left-handed Owen Pearl was in contention after his first round of 73 but then lost his way with a round of 94.

It was all too easy to rack up big scores. Rob Murray of Stoke by Nayland tried his luck in the PGA Europro Tour event at the Players Club in Bristol last month.

On that occasion he came away with two respectable rounds of 79. At Woodbridge his opening round of 91 killed off his chances and perhaps dampened his enthusiasm