Darren Parris of North Foreland Golf Club held his nerve in a play-off to secure the inaugural Foremost Golf Professionals’ Championship title at South Staffordshire Golf Club on 16th May 2011.
110 Foremost Professionals, from all over the United Kingdom, attended what was a hugely successful event enjoyed by all. Some great golf was played despite difficult windy, and occasionally wet conditions on what was a superbly presented course.
Winner Darren Parris was tied with Richard O’Hanlon (Lanhydrock Golf Club) and Simon Thornhill (Rotherham Golf Club) on one-under-par at the close, with Parris excelling in the play-off.
Tied for 4th at one-over-par was 1993 Ryder Cup player Peter Baker, now representing the host venue, Frank Kiddie of Hawkstone Park Golf Club and Richard Lewis of The Worcestershire.
O’Hanlon was left biting his nails in the clubhouse for five hours as an early starter. Parris was next to tie the lead, and Thornhill equalled their excellent score to make the play-off from the penultimate group.
Parris held his nerve impressively on the first extra hole, driving in-play as the last to tee-off. He was left with two putts to win after his competitors’ errand tee-shots.
Clearly pleased with his victory, winner Darren Parris, said: “I’m chuffed with how I held it together throughout the day. The conditions were very difficult and disruptive, so one-under-par was a great score. I can only thank Foremost for hosting a great event.”
Paul Hedges, CEO of Foremost Golf, said: “The day was thoroughly enjoyable. Not even the strong wind could have spoilt it. Considering the very testing conditions, there were some great scores posted, not least by Darren, and I can’t wait till next year’s event.”
The event was a triumph for Foremost, and has set a real precedent for years to come.
Foremost Golf www.foremostgolf.com