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13 May, 2008

Barton Wins At Fourth Extra Hole

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Danny Barton of Fynn Valley won the Millennium Trophy and first prize of £1000 after a dramatic sudden death play-off.

Barton saw off the challenge of Weston Park's Michael Few to land the prize at Hintlesham Golf Club.

Both players finished with three under par 141 in this biennial event between Suffolk and Norfolk PGA's.

After the first extra hole was halved, Few missed a three and a half foot birdie putt on the second which would have seen him repeat his win in this event on the same course in 2004.

The third extra hole, the 399 yard 17th, saw Barton's drive nestled in tufty grass on the left while Few landed down the middle. Barton made good contact but the ball flew through the green and just stayed in bounds. Few putted from the left of the green for a tap-in par while Barton needed to sink 15 foot putt to stay in the match.

His nerve and his luck both held. A positive strike saw the ball drop into the hole.
It was all settled on the par five 18th. Few's drive ended in a difficult lie under an oak tree, while Barton, who landed on the fairway, piled on the pressure with an approach that left him an eight foot putt for eagle.

Few then saw his ball fly into semi-rough behind the green. He needed a delicate chip to give himself a chance. It did not happen and they were soon shaking hands.

Five of the 46 players tied for third place at level par 144. First round leader Andrew Tokley (Stoke by Nayland) had 75 in the afternoon. Neil Lythgoe (Royal Norwich) had a second round of 69 while holder Neil Mitchell (Bury Golf Range), who won at Weston Park in 2006, had rounds of 74 and 71.

Ian Ellis (Weston Park), preparing for his appearance in the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, had level par rounds. Tony Varney (The Norfolk), winner in 2000 and 2002, Andrew Cotton (Ufford Park) and Robin Mann (Felixstowe Golf Range) were all joint third.

The team prize of champagne went to Suffolk for the third time in succession. The top five scores from each county over 36 holes left Suffolk with 718 and Norfolk with 720.