Richard O’Hanlon wins 2017 Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship Pro-Am

2010 champion Richard O’Hanlon has won his second Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship by two shots, after a tense final day of the Pro–Am on the Cromwell Course.

The overnight leader kept his composure and nerves to retain his lead from the first round and win, with an overall score of -5 across the two rounds. It was enough to take the victory and the €50,000 prize that comes with the honour, and he went one step further, having finished as runner-up in 2016.

When asked how he felt, O’Hanlon said: “Unbelievable! It was a rollercoaster if anything, my emotions are still all over the place, to go from second last year to my second win now, I’m delighted.

“I’m a club and teaching pro, and this is European Tour money, this is out of this world!”

O’Hanlon thanked all involved, including title sponsors Farmfoods’ CEO Eric Herd who O’Hanlon described as “having changed his life”.

The Super Senior category was shared by former 1991 Masters champion Ian Woosnam OBE and four-time winner Carl Mason, with a score of +1. The Norma C Herd Silver Salver prize, awarded to the best ranking amateur, went to Scot Michael Lawrie, with a score of +5, son of 1999 Open winner Paul Lawrie OBE. While finally the Team prize went to O’Hanlon and his amateur partner Tony Lymn, with a combined score of -13.

A topsy-turvy final day saw the lead of the tournament constantly change hands, as the sunshine finally came out for this year’s edition of the Championship. Eddie Pepperell, a top 20 finisher at this year’s US Open and 2014 British Par 3 champion, was in inspired form, matching the leader with a score of -3.

Ashley Mason and O’Hanlon were battling with one another for the top berth, but O’Hanlon’s birdie at the 17^th, effectively sealed his title. Mason dropped a shot back late on to eventually finish on -3, while Meghan MacLaren, daughter of European Senior Tour chairman David, also had a fine second round, finishing on -2. Gary Wolstenholme MBE, Steven Tiley and Andre Bossert, all scored -2, while Paul Lawrie came in tied eighth with Santiago Luna and Carl Mason, back on -1.

O’Hanlon added: “My long-term goal is to reach the European Senior Tour in three years time, it’s something I want to work towards.”

“It doesn’t get any better than playing with former Masters champion Ian Woosnam OBE in the final group for €50,000 and when it comes down to it, I can actually do it.”

An emotional O’Hanlon received the trophy in-front of a packed grandstand, with a capacity crowd showing their appreciation towards the worthy winner, as well as the winners of the other categories.

But the fun and thrills of the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship aren’t over yet, free tickets to Friday’s Celeb-Am are still available from:  http://britishpar3.com/booking/event-ticket/2017.

The Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship welcomes back title sponsor Farmfoods and event partners Nailcote Hall, Champions (UK) plc, Browns Food Group, The Eagle Tour, ITV, The Birmingham Post, Total Motion, Glenmuir, Bentley Leicester, Inspirational Magazine, Finest Catch, Champions Celebrity, VPAR Live Golf and Champions After Dinner Speakers and chosen charity for the event Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People. Returning media partner, Sky Sports will also support the event with its usual excellent coverage.

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GP meets Dominic Holland at the Farm Foods British Par 3 Championship