Peters banks a winning display at Kings Hill

Former banker Peter Hewitt’s performance paid off as the Uxbridge amateur sealed a place in the Staysure Trophy Final.

Hewitt partnered Gerrards Cross PGA professional Lewis Atkinson to top the leaderboard at the South qualifying event which was held at Kings Hill Golf Club in Kent.

They produced a stunning 10 under par round to finish the day on 49 points - one ahead of a four way tie for second spot.

Gregory Haenen and Ron Emslie (Pentland Golf); Nick Olson and Anton Elsborg (Chart Hills); Tim Spence and Steve Bish (The Golf College) and Scott Stevens and Chris Collins, all finished on 48 points.

But it was Atkinson and Hewitt who will now head to the showpiece Staysure Trophy Final which will be staged from July 31 to August 1 at the London Golf Club near Sevenoaks, Kent.

The pro-am competition sponsored by Staysure, the insurance specialists for over 50s, has been launched by the PGA this year is aimed at senior amateur players and carries a £30,000 prize fund.

Hewitt, aged 63, admitted it was a day when everything went right for the Gerrards Cross duo.

“It couldn’t have gone any better, I came in with birdies on shot holes so that really helped our card,” he said.

“It was very good and myself and Lewis dovetailed really well. The competition is an excellent opportunity for senior amateurs.

“I’m looking forward to going to The London Club, I’ve played it once before, but it’s a long time I’ve been there. It’s got a fantastic reputation so it’s going to be good.”

Ex-footballer Hewitt, who was a semi-professional player with Uxbridge, turned to golf when he hung up his boots.

“Since then it’s been my main sport and I’ve been at Gerrards Cross for about 10 years,” said the 10-handicapper who now manages a garden centre.

Atkinson praised his playing partner for his part in the victory.

“My only goal is to play steady and safe and I shot five under with no bogeys,” he said.

“The eagles were all Peter’s though, he had a gross birdie then two nett eagles coming in as well as birdying the last which was amazing.

“This competition is brilliant and the events where pros can with members are great. I think we need one for junior members too.

“This was great fun, but Peter also plays a lot of senior events.”

Staysure Trophy - South qualifier

Monday, July 16, 2018, Kings Hill Golf Club

Results

POS    SCORE      NAME                                        REPRESENTING

Q1      49pts        Lewis Atkinson/Peter Hewitt        Gerrards Cross
2        45pts        Gregory Haenen/Ron Emslie        Pentland Golf
                          Nick Olsen/Anton Elsborg            Chart Hills
                          Tim Spence/Steve Bish               The Golf College
                          Scott Stevens/Chris Collins          Ridge Golf Club

Full results from the event at Kings Hill Golf Club can be found by clicking here.