Hornsea's home hero Steve Uzzell finally added the ERUGC Open Championship to his impressive golfing CV, having previously won the leading amateur award at this event in 2021. The Needler Trophy (Open) and George Ash Salver (Amateur) were presented by East Riding President Mike Dawson just as the first rain of the day finally arrived.
Although the 64 participants stayed dry at an immaculate Hornsea, it was the strong wind and slick greens which presented pros and amateurs alike with a stiff test over the 36 holes. Ball striking and controlling your trajectory was going to be key and so it proved as the cream of East Riding golf rose to the top.
Uzzell was the only player to break par in round one with 6 birdies in his impressive 71 which left him three strokes clear at lunch from defending champion Paul Lockwood and Driffield's Jamie Greveson. A shot further back were Cave Castle Assistant Pro Dan Swales, Ganton's Jack Northgraves and the evergreen Mark Lamb from Ganstead. Other members of the East Riding senior squad were lurking with decent scores in the conditions, but the chances of anyone going really low to get in the mix after lunch looked remote.
Hornsea's Jack Maxey had other ideas. Despite a disappointing 82 in round one, Jack roared around the Rolston Road layout where he is the course record holder and stood on the 18th tee at seven under the card after 7 birdies and 10 pars. A frustrating double bogey at the last left him with a best of the day 67 and shot him up to the runners up spot with 149 - one ahead of Jack Northgraves who carded a second consecutive 75.
Uzzell carded six further birdies in the afternoon and his 68 gave him a two round total of 139 to take both pieces of silverware on offer. He finished ten strokes clear of Yorkshire team-mate Maxey to take the leading amateur award, but the Open trophy was a little tighter.
An impressive afternoon 68 gave Driffield's Paul Lockwood the professionals prize with 142, four ahead of the fast finishing Dan Swales who closed with three straight birdies.
The nett prize went to Cottingham's Lee Webster who had two excellent rounds of 83 and 82 gross to card a nett 139 on the day.
See prizewinners on the 2023 results page. Full scores on howdidido.com as always.
Big thanks to Dave Greenwood for organising the event, John Illingworth for a 12 hour stint on the desk ably supported by Sunil Mukerjea. Tom Elder of Hornsea and ERUGC Past President Edward Clark did a great job as starters for the day and players and officials alike praised Hornsea for their warm welcome, excellent hospitality and quality of the course.
The 2024 ERUGC Open Championship will be held at Hessle Golf Club.
Jonathan Clark
ERUGC Junior League Secretary
