North Foreland’s four-time PGA South Order of Merit champion Richard Wallis shot a three-under 68 around Royal Cinque Ports to win the PGA Kent Christmas Fayre by two strokes.
Over 100 players and 27 teams gathered at the famous Deal links to play an Open qualifying course in fantastic condition with traditional Deal weather – sunshine, strong winds and freezing temperatures – adding to the prospect of a great days’ of golf. Topped off with a memorable lunch, the festive spirit helped raise over £3,000 for local children’s charity Demelza, thanks to a raffle and auction organised by Kent PGA stalwarts Chris Evans (Tandridge) and Royal Cinque Ports’ Andrew Reynolds.
Wallis comfortably saw off the one-under-par 70 of nearest rival and local favourite Mark Belsham of Prince’s. Belsham’s back-nine birdie charge finished with one at the 18th to edge Benn Barham into third place. Paul Sherman’s team from Langley Park won the team prize.
Wallis is now looking forward to turning up the heat in 2015. He said: “My focus is on PGA EuroPro and Challenge Tour events, but I’ll be playing in all the PGA South Order of Merit tournaments. My coach Paul Page (Kings Hill) found a couple of things to work on, so every day sees me at the gym and the range working to get my A game back on track.”