David Clark hit top form to win the region’s oldest professional tournament.
David, head professional at Morpeth Golf Club, posted rounds of 67 and 68 at Brancepeth Castle Golf Club to lift the Northumberland & Durham Open title, leading an elite field of professionals and amateurs from around the region.
He was pushed all the way in the 36-hole tournament by Wynyard’s James Harper – who posted rounds of 65 and 71 to finish alongside amateur Andy Minnikin in second place. Andy, from City of Newcastle Golf Club, posted an opening round of 63 – including 10 threes – to tie the course record at Brancepeth before a second round 73 saw him finish one shot behind David.
Meanwhile, Matfen Hall’s John Harrison finished in fourth place with a two round total of 137 as Penrith’s Tim Dykes and City of Newcastle amateur Phil Ridden finished a shot further back.
The tournament, which dates back to 1950 and was first won by Bert Gadd, has regained much of its former glory with top amateurs invited to compete alongside the professionals after the NENW PGA revived the event.
