Papple tops class in Essex

Mason Papple (Stock Brook Manor Golf & Country Club) emerged successful from the Qualifying School staged at Essex Golf and Country Club.

Papple topped the class on a one-under-par total of 145. He fired rounds of 69 and 76 to win by three shots from David Rickwood (Bishop’s Stortford) and Chris Goddard (Romford).

Papple shot four-under to lead by two at the halfway stage. His first round contained five birdies.

He wasn’t able to maintain a similar level of scoring on the second day but closed out with back-to-back birdies.

Another highlight from the second round was the hole in one from Kieran James (North Circular Golf). He used a 7-iron to ace the 175-yard seventh hole.

The East region has now completed its two qualifying schools – the first was won by James Watts (Kingsway Golf Centre) at Essendon Country Club.

Every player will now be given a ranking ahead of the five-strong Order of Merit series, which gets underway with the London Open at West Essex on June 13-14.