Coles claims Senior PGA Professional Championship title after play-off victory

17/05/2024

The Senior PGA Professional Championship took place over three days at Moor Park Golf Club, with the new venue and its stunning mansion proving popular with the participating players.

Reigning Irish PGA champion, David Higgins (Waterville Golf Links) took an early lead with a first round 66 after playing the Harry Colt designed West Course, but a second round 74 saw him return to the pack.

Everything changed on day two with a number of low rounds from the chasing pack meaning Stuart Little (Minchinhampton New Golf Club) started the final day two shots clear. However, a quartet of bogeys on the front nine for Little left an opening for the chasing players and Higgins, Stephen Fenn (Littlehampton Golf Club) and Robert Coles took advantage, all finishing the final round tied for the lead at 5-under-par.

The first play-off hole took place on the par 5 sixteenth on the High Course at Moor Park Golf Club and a birdie for Coles was enough to secure the title.

Coles discussed the week: “The course was amazing this week - they've really pulled out all the stops to get it in great shape, so I think everyone enjoyed it. Both courses were just in brilliant condition, so we've had a great week.

“I teed off the 10th on the West Course yesterday and managed to start birdie-birdie-eagle, which got me going a bit. I struggled a bit near the end, which was a shame, but obviously it got me back into the tournament, which was important, so that start was key really.

“Today I was playing really nice and then I lost my way a bit on the back nine. I was very fortunate to birdie the last to get into the play-off. I think sometimes when you have a bit of momentum like that, it helps you. The play-off hole, it suited me, so I was quite fortunate there. I hit driver then six iron onto the green and then two-putted. Unfortunately for the others, they only made pars. So, it was my lucky day really.”

Coles’ win also means he qualifies for the Staysure PGA Seniors Championship, adding: “I'm looking forward to playing again. It's a really good tournament and a great venue, so that will be great fun.”

Fifteen players in total qualified for the Legends Tour event, due to take place at Trump International Golf Links from 31 July - 4 August 2024.

For the final leaderboard from the Senior PGA Professional Championship, click HERE.

To see photos from the event, click HERE.