Former Walker Cup Player Aims for European Tour after Jamega Victory

Buoyed by a brilliant a course record seven-under-par 64 at the Hamptworth course, Essex's Dale Whitnell secured a commanding five-stroke victory over Steven Lewton on the Jamega Pro Golf Tour.

Whitnell began in rip-roaring fashion with five birdies in the opening seven holes and an eagle two on the 12th.

He consolidated his position with a 68 on day two, despite a double bogey seven on the 16th, and finished five strokes ahead of runner-up Lewton.

“I’m pleased to be back in the winner’s circle,” Whitnell said. “It’s the first time I’ve played here and the course is really good. It was set up really well and the greens were running fast and true.”

Whitnell was formerly one of the top amateurs in UK golf, representing Great Britain and Ireland in the 2009 Walker Cup. His focus is now firmly on the European qualifying school as he bids to win a place on the main tour.

“My main goal is to try and peak at the right time and hopefully I’m doing that,” he added.

If Whitnell doesn’t make the European Tour he could still have an enjoyable winter’s golf in Portugal to look forward to.

With just one event remaining, he moved clear at the top of the fifth and final Jamega mini order of merit to win a free winter’s entry fees on the Algarve Tour worth in excess of £4,000.

The final Jamega Pro Golf Tour event takes place at The Seve Ballesteros-designed The Shire London on September 19-20.