Andy Oates Wins the 2014 Welsh Mid Amateur Stroke Play Championship at Machynys Peninsula GC

Rounds of 71, 72 & 74 for a 54 hole total of 217 (2 over) secured the WAGR event for Andy Oates narrowly edging out West Wilts GC player Michael White who finished on 218.

Oates played solidly for all 3 days on a tough Machynys course that was made harder by the punishing rough that had grown up in recent weeks.  His opening 71 (one under) was the best of the first round scores along with Handsworth member Karl Smith who also had 71.  Tour regulars Michael Hunt, James Bishop and last year’s Order of Merit winner Steve Creed all pushed Andy hard over the last round but his 2 over 74 was enough to win by one.  Steve Creed and Michael hunt were two of the only other players to shoot under par with 69’s.

“I'm very pleased to have won a national world ranking event on the Mid Amateur Golf Tour.  It was tough to keep your concentration over 3 rounds on a course where one errant shot would get punished, but I stuck to my game plan and it paid dividends for my biggest amateur win to date, so I am really pleased with my performance.” Commented the winner, Andy.

“We are delighted that Andy has won the event and we would like to thank all of our tour regulars for their support in making this the “must play” amateur tour in the UK.” Added Jason Morris, Director of Golf at the Mid Amateur Golf Tour

“This is the second year running we have held this event at Machynys and the course and venue are second to none.  All of the players have commented that the course condition and greens, considering the wet weather are some of the best they will play all year.  We are delighted to have held the event for the last two years at Machynys and we will be returning again next year.”

Oates moves on to his home club of Worksop for the English Mid Amateur Championship in July and must be considered one of the favourites as the event is at his home club and maybe with a win at the English he may consider playing in the Scottish Mid Am to make it a Grand Slam in 2014!

Final standings – Andrew Oates (Worksop) 217, Michael White (West Wilts) 218, Michael Hunt (Pleasington) 220, Steve Creed (Makstoke Park) 220, James Bishop (Little Aston) 221.

For more information on Mid-Am golf please visit www.midamgolf.co.uk