Marcus Armitage makes most of early start to win latest 2020protour event at Oulton Hall

Armitage (Howley Hall) fired a five-under-par round of 65 to win by one stroke from Alex Belt of Bridlington.

Armitage was one over through six but picked up birdies at eight, 10 and 11 before an eagle on the par-five 13th followed by another birdie on the penultimate hole, helped the early starter post a total that the rest were unable to beat.

Jamie Donaldson looked more like the Ryder Cup winner he is by shooting a three-under-par 67 to finish in a tie for third. Seven days earlier he had posted a 75 in the third 2020protour event of the season – and first after lockdown – at Cleckheaton.

Nick Poppleton of Wath also signed for a 67, backing up last week’s joint win at Cleckheaton to strengthen his position at the top of the order of merit. Richard Law (Bradley Park) also shot a 67. Nick McCarthy (Moortown) signed for a 68 to finish a further shot back and keep up the pressure on Poppleton atop the money list.

The appeal of the 2020protour is in its gender-equal nature, with nine women competing in the field of 113 for the equal prize money.

Amy Boulden travelled up from Wales to post the best score by a female – and therefore claim a share of the prize money – a one-under-par 69, just four shy of Armitage.

Another notable achievement was the 70 scored by Zara Naughton, who is a 14-year-old amateur schoolgirl and England Under-16s player from the north east.

Abigail Taylor (Headingley), also 14, shot a 76.

The event at Oulton Hall was sponsored by the golftravelteam.

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