2010 champion Richard O’Hanlon is leading the 2017 Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship Pro-Am at the halfway stage, after a rain-hit Wednesday resulted in the day’s play being reduced to 9 holes.
He scored -3 across his delayed first round, hitting three birdies at the 3rd, 4th and 8th holes to end Wednesday as the undisputed leader, with the likes of Ian Woosnam OBE, Mark Murphy and Ashley Mason trailing him. Woosnam’s round of -2 also puts him in the driving seat for the Super Senior prize following his impressive first round, with Murphy tied for second on -2 and Mason a shot further back on -1.
O’Hanlon said: “It was good, it was a bit of a challenge out there the weather was difficult and the greens were very wet out there after the rain this morning, but I played well today, three birdies and no bogeys which was pleasing.
The Cromwell Course saw heavy rainfall overnight and the weather had not improved come Wednesday morning. O’Hanlon’s first attempt at the course saw him hit over par, in conditions he said were “unplayable”, which led to all scores being rest in accordance with R&A rules. Eventually, though, the rain cleared and the professionals were able to begin their rounds, starting at 1pm.
When asked about his approach to the final round tomorrow, O’Hanlon added: “It’s a bit similar to last year when I went into the last round in second place.
“I’m hoping to play some good steady golf, and try make some birdies!”
With O’Hanlon sitting pretty at the top of the leaderboard at the end of the first round, he’ll be hoping to go one better than last year when he finished runner-up and top the leaderboard again come the end of Thursday evening’s play, to take a second title. The victor of the Professional Championship, with professionals competing for the €150,000 prize fund, will take home €50,000.
This evening will see many of the star names that took part in today’s action attending the Player’s Banquet at Nailcote Hall, which will be hosted by comedian Dominic Holland. To kick off the night, tournament host Tony Jacklin CBE will be holding a Q&A session with Dame Laura Davies and Paul Lawrie OBE. Following a three-course meal, guests will be invited to take part in a live charity auction, hosted by Olympic hero Derek Redmond, raising vital funds for Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People.
Free tickets to rest of this week’s action at Nailcote Hall are still available from: http://britishpar3.com/booking/event-ticket/2017.
