Murray White made history as he became the first pro to successfully defend the PGA Super 60s Championship title.
The Centurion Club pro, partnered by seven handicapper Glyn Radcliffe of Mill Hill Golf Club, sealed his place in the record books after the pair claimed victory on the first hole of a sudden death play-off at Caldy Golf Club.
A second successive round of 67 saw them tie at 10-under-par for the tournament with Chesterfield PGA pro Mike McLean and his amateur partner John Wheeldon, who birdied the last for a 68, to add to their opening day 66 and force the shoot-out.
But the conclusion ended without any more fireworks as Murray made par on the first hole of extra-time – missing a birdie chance from seven feet. That left McLean and Wheeldon seemingly straight forward putts from two feet to take the play-off down the second. However, both missed leaving Murray and Radcliffe as victors.
Murray, surprised to find himself in the annals of PGA history with the win, said: “It would be better if I’d holed my putt to win but these things happen. I misread my putt from six or seven feet but so did the other two and a win’s a win I suppose.
“I’ve had bad experiences of play-offs in the past, having lost in a couple, so this is the first positive one but I do feel for the other two guys.
“I’m pleased with the outcome and pleased with how we played today. We putted really well, linked in nicely and had a bit of a wobble up the last but you’ve got to have a wobble somewhere. This has been huge for Glyn, but he definitely played his part over what has been a very good golf course.”
Radcliffe, who plays with White every week but only got the call to play in the Championship a week ago, admitted the occasion did get to him.
“I was in tears walking back up after the play-off,” he said. “Murray only asked me last week to come and play and I had no hesitation, although I’ve not been playing well this year having dropped from four to seven but this has been outstanding.
“I can’t believe we’ve won it. I was so nervous in the play-off, I’ve never been so nervous in my life but to win like we did was unfair on the other guys.”
Murray pocketed £1,250 for the win, while McLean’s consolation was £1,000.
McLean, who has been second before with Wheeldon, said: “We three putted 15 and 17 from very close in and then we both missed putts from two feet in the play-off. It’s very tough to take as we played super golf. We had won with three holes to play but we blew it, it’s as simple as that.”
Wheeldon added: “I feel disappointed that we finished that way because whilst I don’t mind losing I don’t want to give it away and we did that.”
The Superb 70s title, offering pairings aged 70 and over a chance of some silverware, was won by Maurice Bembridge and his partner Michael Curley, who were overall winners two years ago. They finished on five-under-par after a second round six-under-par 66.
Visit http://www.pga.info/tournaments/national/pga-super-60s-tournament.aspx for more information on the PGA Super 60s Championship
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