Tom builds a path to Portugal at Little Aston

Nottinghamshire builder Tom Hallam cemented his place in the Lombard Trophy final with victory at Little Aston Golf Club.

Amateur Hallam teamed up with experienced Notts Golf Club PGA professional Michael Bradley at the Sutton Coldfield venue.

And the pair won the event in a tight finish which had to be decided on countback.

Fourteen-handicapper Hallam and Bradley carded an eight under par round of 64 to put themselves in contention.

They tied at the top of the leaderboard with Barry Hurt and Neil Highfield of Worksop’s Bondhay Golf & Country Club.

But it was the Notts Golf Club pairing who won thanks to a better back nine which included an eagle at the 14th hole.

Now Hallam, who works for his father’s building firm, and Bradley head to Portugal for the £41,450, Coca-Cola and Pestana Resorts supported, National Pro-Am grand final which will be played at the Vila Sol resort in the Algarve between September 20-21.

“It was a close thing and the back nine was what won it for us,” said Bradley.

“We kept the flow going when we looked like we might have been in trouble.

“Over the last five holes, we picked up four shots and it could’ve been six. In the end, we might have done better and won it outright.

“You never know quite what’s going to happen and I never try to get ahead of myself.

“But Tom hit two great shots on the 18th and that’s what got us to eight under par. Myself and Tom gelled together really nicely.”

Bradley sealed what will be his first appearance in the Lombard Trophy final.

“I’ve always wanted to play in it for many years, I’ve been doing it for long enough!

“There can only be one winner from this event and there’s always a big field looking to do that. But I’ve finally done it.”

For a full list of results from the Lombard Trophy Regional Final at Little Aston click here.