Corey Sheppard of High Post Golf Club was the winner of the 43rd staging of The Hills Wiltshire Professionals’ Golf Championship, which was held at Marlborough Golf Club on Thursday 09 July.
In sweltering conditions, 23 of Wiltshire’s professional golfers took part in the 36-hole event, with Sheppard beating reigning champion Ben Amor in a two-hole play-off to secure the title and the £1,200 top prize.
After the morning round three players had recorded under par scores: Ben Amor, Ogbourne Downs GC (-4), Mark Searle, High Post GC (-4) and Corey Sheppard, High Post GC (-2). Greg Davies, South Cerney GC and Barry Forster, North Wilts GC were also in contention, coming in Level after the first 18.
In the challenging heat of the afternoon, Sheppard secured a superb round of 65, to finish joint top of the leaderboard with Amor at nine under. With both players tied and light beginning to fade, Sheppard and Amor went into a playoff on the 18th hole, with Sheppard finally triumphing after two extra holes.
Reflecting on his victory Corey Sheppard said: “It’s a really special feeling. There have been a few years where things haven’t quite gone my way in this championship, so to finally lift the trophy means a lot. To join the list of past champions is something I’m very proud of, and it’s brilliant to bring another Hills Wiltshire Professionals’ Championship win back to High Post Golf Club.”
Mike Hill, Chairman of The Hills Group said: “Many congratulations to Corey Sheppard on a superb win, in what were very hot and testing conditions. His performance throughout the day, and especially in the play-off, was a credit to him. I would also like to offer our commiserations to Ben Amor, who came so close to retaining the title, after winning the previous three championships. It was a fine contest between two talented young golfers. Special credit also goes to five-time winner Graham Laing, who finished fifth on the day, and shot a superb 69 in the afternoon – a score under his age of 70! Our thanks also go to the team from Hills and to everyone at Marlborough Golf Club, whose hard work and organisation ensured the day ran smoothly.”
