Phil Archer bridged a 15-year gap when he won the PGA North Region Championship at Bolton Old Links.
He previously claimed the title back in 2002 at Blackpool resort Heron’s Reach before embarking on a successful European Tour career.
Archer, who plays for the Great Britain and Ireland PGA Cup team against the United States at Foxhills next month, is clearly enjoying life at regional level.
“This is my second year back and I’m glad to see the game is growing,” he said after posting a five under-par 67 to edge out early leader Ryan O’Neill in the 36-hole tournament (reduced to one round due to torrential rain).
“A lot of new sponsors have come on board and I’m enjoying playing in pro-ams because I’m always relaxed in the company of amateurs,” enthused Archer, 45, who represents the Players’ Tour Golf Academy at Poulton Park – where he is a coach.
Several professionals felt the tournament should have been re-arranged rather than played over one round but Archer said: “At least we got it finished and I knew I needed to win to have any chance of an Order of Merit’s top three.”
