Gtour rookie Clarke triumphs over full field at Mottram

The Gtour bus rolled into the Cheshire countryside on Saturday 18th September for the latest event on the 2010 Tour. One of the biggest fields of the season was assembled at De Vere Mottram Hall for what proved to be another great event. Stephen Clarke rose to the challenge on his 1st event on the tour and triumphed on the tough De Vere course.

The course was playing near to it's 7000 yards with the damp conditions followed by rain later in the day.

Clarke came in with a very creditable 32 points to win on countback over John Laver also a Gtour rookie.

Playing off 6 on the day Clarke from Haydock Park golf club only just managed to hold off Laver who was leading at the turn. Clarke quickly took the lead on the 10th with Laver bringing the score level again on 16. No score from both on 17th meant that going into the 18th they were level pegging and a par each meant that Clarke was able to secure his maiden victory with a magnificent back nine score of 17.

Clarke was surprised with his win:

"I really didn't think it would be possible to win as this was my first event on the Gtour, of course i'm delighted that I finished top on the day. The course played really tough and the weather did not help. Overall the course was outstanding especially the greens. I would just like to thank the Gtour guys for a great day and a really well run event. "

Regular Gtour player Sean Cade thought it was a tough day to score:

" The course played tough today, especially the back-nine. You needed a good score on the more easier front nine to set you up as the back-nine is brutal in some parts. If you go in the heavy rough you really get punished and when the rain started it made the course play even longer. I'm pleased with my 28 points though."

Mark Cassell is playing his first year on tour and after 27 points he is loving every minute:

"It's great being part of these events, this year is my first but i have really enjoyed it, its good to play competitive golf and the banter on the tour is great. I'm looking forward to playing at the Manor House event and then get back on the tour next year.

The next event is the final major of the year at the Manor House Golf Club (Castle Combe) on Friday 15th October. The Aphrodite Hills Open is a chance for players to win a trip to the prestigious resort of Aphrodite Hills in Cyprus.

Alongside that the Order of Merit is still up for grabs with Andrew Lee still leading the way with two events left.