SIXTY elite golfers from the Midlands descended on Saffron Walden Golf Club for the Midland Closed Amateur Golf Championship in cold, and wet conditions on Saturday. With tough weather conditions, scoring was always going to be difficult, and this proved

SIXTY elite golfers from the Midlands descended on Saffron Walden Golf Club for the Midland Closed Amateur Golf Championship in cold, and wet conditions on Saturday.

With tough weather conditions, scoring was always going to be difficult, and this proved to be the case throughout the day for the vast majority of the field.

Leading at the half-way point was Steven Lane, from The Worcestershire Golf Club, with a fantastic score of 67, five-under par.

In second place was Andrew Sullivan, the defending champion and England squad player from Nuneaton Golf Club, who returned a creditable two-under par off his plus four handicap.

The top-placed Saffron Walden player was James Sandford, with a two over par 74.

In the second round a number of members of the club made their way out on to the course to watch not only the home players, but also Sullivan and they were certainly not disappointed.

Sullivan put on an impressive display of golf to shoot a five under par 67, which was exceptional in the tough conditions. His 36 hole total of 137 proved to be easily enough to defend his trophy, in the end winning by six shots.

Second place went to Lane, with Ryan Evans from Wellingborough coming third. The highest home players were Sandford, who ended a creditable ninth with a total of 147, and Tom Duggan 16th on 150.

After receiving his prize voucher and trophy, Sullivan said: "Thanks to Saffron Walden Golf Club for hosting this event. The course was in magnificent condition, and the catering staff were excellent. The greens were the best I have played on this year."

Despite this being the first major competition held at the club, Walden are hopeful it will be the first of many.