Steven Tiley strikes first

Steven Tiley has completed the first round of the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship Pro-Am with a score of -3 under par making him the overnight leader going into today's second, and final round of the Championship.

The Challenge Tour player put on an impressive display at Nailcote Hall’s tricky 18-hole Cromwell Course giving himself the edge over the rest of the field.

The biggest competition for Tiley in the first round came in the form of former European Tour player Andrew Marshall and 2013 Norma C Herd Silver Salver winner Craig Lawrie, both just one shot back on -2 under par.  

The Pro-Am is extremely tight at the halfway point, with the esteemed quartet of US Open winner Michael Campbell, Staysure Tour player Peter Fowler, former Ryder Cup star Jarmo Sandelin and golfing legend Mark McNulty all on -1.

Two-time Major winner and event host, Tony Jacklin CBE, commented on the day’s play: “Steven Tilley is looking strong going into round two but he can’t afford to rest on his laurels as tomorrow is sure to throw up entirely new challenges and competition for him to tackle.

“One thing for sure though is that with €50,000 at stake all of the professionals will be going into tomorrow’s second round with a fresh head and an unwavering ambition to get their hands on that wheelbarrow.”  

“I cannot talk about today without also mentioning the amateurs we have had on the course. They always play such a big part of the Championship and it is particularly great to see our Junior Qualifier winner, Nick Matthews, performing alongside golfers many years his senior.”

As well as the above, the likes of rising European Tour star Aaron Rai, Staysure Tour player Peter Baker, 1991 Masters champion Ian Woosnam OBE, 2017 British Par 3 champion Richard O’Hanlon and winner of last week’s Staysure PGA Seniors Championship, Philip Golding all sitting within four shots of the overall lead – Thursday is set to be a day full of ups and downs!

The amateurs at the British Par 3 Championship have been playing alongside the professionals in a competition of their own – the Norma C Herd Silver Salver. The award, which goes to the best scoring amateur player after the full two rounds is within touching distance for both Phil Beswick and David Nelson, who shot +3 over par. Former West Ham and England striker Dean Ashton and Craig Elsworth are T3 on +5, with a special mention for Monday’sJunior Qualifier, Nick Matthews sits in fifth, on +6.

Meanwhile in the Super Senior, the prize won by Ian Woosnam OBE last year, is being closely fought for, with Mark McNulty’s impressive -1, the benchmark for the senior field.

More action continues tomorrow as the official Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship winner will be revealed after what is sure to be a tense final round.

You can find out the full list of round two tee times for the Pro-Am here. 

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