South Moor’s Mark Ridley produced three days of superb golf to win the North East & North West PGA Tour Championship at Brancepeth Castle and the circuit’s Matchplay Championship at Slaley Hall.
Mark led the field of 44 professionals with a five under-par round of 65 in the Tour Championship, finishing two shots clear of John Harrison in second place. Tim Dykes and Will Robson finished in a tie for third place a shot further back.
With the win, Mark moved into the top 16 in the season-long Mizuno Order of Merit and booked his place in the Matchplay Championship, which had a new format this year. The top 16 headed to Slaley Hall’s Hunting Course for two rounds of matches to find the semi-finalists.
Mark then progressed to the final with victory over Andrew Scrimshaw 3&2, while Ken Ferrie overcame Will Robson 6&5 to reach the final. In a close final in wet and windy condition, Mark outlasted Ken to win at the first playoff hole.
With the conclusion of the Matchplay Championship, David Clark was confirmed as winner of the NE/NW PGA Mizuno Order of Merit, holding off Ken to claim the season-long title following his performances in this year’s professional tournaments and Pro Series events.