Bradford-based Richard Wheatley lifted the Yorkshire Order of Merit trophy following a dominant season in the points race.
After 21 events, Richard topped the standings with 1,375 points – as Sudbrook Moor’s Levi Desmond (801) finished second, and Teesside’s Dan Norman (779) finished third.
“It’s great to have my hands on the order of merit trophy for the first time after a few close calls over the years,” said 45-year-old pilot Richard. “I managed to play a few more tournaments this year around work and family life, and that kept me up there while getting four wins allowed me to rack up the points to get the job done.”
Richard’s four wins came at Selby, Northcliffe, Bingley St Ives and Fulford – and he received the trophy from Order of Merit founder Paul Snowden following the final event, the Hawksworth Trophy at Bradford, which was won by George Hanson.
“The season was pretty good throughout and I think my approach – which some might call boring golf – was the key to doing well at different courses all the way through the year,” added Richard. “Shooting an eight under-par 63 at Northcliffe – including a bogey and a double-bogey – was a definite highlight. I had two three-putt pars as well, so while it was great to be 10 under-par for two rounds, that could have been very special.
“It was fantastic to finish the season at Bradford and collect the trophy in front of the members and so many friends. I knew the order of merit was decided when I won at Fulford and while I wasn’t 100% on the last day, I enjoyed a bit of a lap of honour at home and it was a great way to end a really successful season.
“I’ve got a plan in place to push on this winter,” added Richard. “The swing studio at Bradford has been brilliant for me this season. I’ve gotten some good work done in there – which has paid off – and I’ll be spending more time in there for sure. My lad, Arthur, is two and he’s already coming in the studio with me – so we’ll make the most of that. I’m also joining a gym, which is an area I can improve on. From there, a bit of Yorkshire coaching and hopefully some early season events abroad should put me in a good place to have a go at defending the order of merit trophy next season.”
For the full standings, click here.
