Fisher Wins Finnish Championship
The England Elite squad continued their magnificent run of
form when Ross Fisher (Wentworth GC) won the Finnish Amateur
Championship played at Helsinki Golf Club, 7-9 August.
22 year old Fisher won the title with a birdie four at the
first hole of a sudden death play off having tied on 209 (70-67-72),
4 under par with fellow Elite Squad member Gary Wolstenholme
(Kilworth Springs GC) (68-69-72).
Fisher and Wolstenholme joint leaders after 36 holes on 5
under par 137 both birdied the last hole to post final round
72’s to tie the championship and force a play off.
Commenting on his victory Ross explained ”I am having
an exciting year; it was great for me to win on foreign soil
following my success in the Berkshire Trophy. I am really
looking forward to the European Amateur at Nairn in two weeks
time and the Home Internationals at Ballybunion in September.”
Michael Skelton (Middlesbrough GC) also a member of the Elite
Squad finished in tied 3rd place on 215 (75-68-72).
The England team retained the Nations Trophy which they won
in 2002 with an 11 under par total of 273. In the first round
Wolstenholme’s 70 and Fisher’s 68 counting and
in the second round Wolstenholme’s 67 and Skelton’s
68.
English Golf Union Performance Director Nigel Furniss pleased
with the squads’ performance commented “I am delighted
for Ross, this win comes close on the back of his promotion
to the Elite Squad. With Ross, Gary and Michael finishing
1, 2 & 3 this is further confirmation of the strength
of talent in English golf at present”.
The Elite squad now turn their attention to the International
European Amateur Championship to be played at Nairn Golf Club,
Scotland 20th – 23rd August. England will be looking
for its first victory in the 72 hole stroke play championship
for 12 years since Jim Payne lifted the title at Hillside
in 1991.
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