Taylor edges out Whymark in Seniors at fourth play-off hole at Felixstowe Ferry

MIKE THOMAS TROPHY: The Woodbridge players who won the team prize at the Suffolk Golf Union Senior Championship at Felixstowe Ferry. From left: Richard Barton, Stephen Whymark and Phil Platten. Photograph: CONTRIBUTED (Image: Archant)

Both players signed for level par rounds of 72 in sunny conditions with enough of a breeze to make the Martello course a real test. Fast hand-cut greens added to the enjoyment of a field of 47.

The first and last holes were used for the play-off which was watched by a gathering of the competitors. The first three were halved in par.

Taylor, a former Suffolk county captain, was longer off the tee than Whymark who has regained his amateur status after a notable professional career as assistant to Leslie Jones at Woodbridge and head professional at Ipswich.

On the third extra hole Whymark’s approach to the green was just short and rolled perilously close to a bunker on the left. Taylor’s approach left him a putt of 50 feet from the back of the green. Taylor’s judgement of distance was near perfect. Then Whymark’s chip ended a couple of inches from the hole.

It was all over the second time they played the 18th against the wind. Both players were on the green in two. Taylor sunk his slippery downhill putt from 12 feet for a birdie. Whymark was seven feet away on the right of the green. His putt, equally slippery, just missed.

It was fitting that the two players who held the lowest handicaps, three for Taylor and two for Whymark, should battle it out in the final stages.

Third place with a round of 74 went to Philip Platten, vice-president of the Suffolk Golf Union and competition organiser.

The Michael Thomas Team Trophy for the best three scores from any one club went to Woodbridge (Stephen Whymark, Phil Platten and Richard Barton). Barton’s eagle at the 18th lifted him ahead of Jon Marks and Whittaker.