Farr finishes with a flourish

Shropshire golfer Oliver Farr has written another impressive chapter in a memorable start to the season.

Ludlow's Farr, who finished 20th in the prestigious Brabazon Trophy last week, maintained his good form at the weekend as he ended tied for fifth position in the Welsh Amateur Open at Ashburnham.

Farr found himself in a share of the lead following the first round after shooting a three-under-par 69.

He remained in contention with a level-par score on day two before beginning the 36-hole final day with a third round 75, some steady work undone by four consecutive bogeys over the closing holes.

But the 21-year-old rediscovered his composure over lunch and fired a 69 to finish on three-under-par for the tournament.

That left him nine shots adrift of runaway leader Andreas Harte of Denmark.

But he was tied with Walker Cup stalwart Nigel Edwards for the best Welsh performer, and claimed the Simpson Cup for the second time after being the leading player from the home contingent under the age of 26.

"It was pleasing to go so well in a big tournament," said Farr.

"It could have been even better and I was really frustrated to bogey the last four holes on Sunday morning.

"But overall, it has to go down as a really good week and it's more for me to build on."

Farr now lies fourth on the Welsh order of merit and is well placed to be named in a six-man team from the Principality to play in the European Team Championships on home soil at Conwy in July.

He was due to begin a Welsh training camp today, before heading off to play in the St Andrews Links in Scotland in 10 days time.

Church Stretton's Jonathan Gidney finished 28th at Ashburnham, as he continues his attempts to re-discover his top form.

Three rounds of 74 sat alongside a score of 75, and Gidney, who has made a subdued start to the season, insisted: "I'm not too far away.

"The belief and the confidence are still strong and I think it's only a matter of time before I'm putting in the good scores again.

"One good tournament would change everything so I'm just going to keep plugging away."

Gidney was heading to Chantilly today where he will play the French Amateur Strokeplay Championship later this week as part of the England 'A' squad.

By JAMES GARRISON