A top-15 finish was just enough to keep Jonathan Caldwell’s momentum going as he continues to strive for a Challenge Tour card next season.
The consistent EuroPro campaigner who’s enjoyed a prolonged return to form this term signed off with a two-under par 70 to grab a share of 13th at Frilford Heath.
The 35-year old Clandeboye professional is a few places shy of the top-5 on the Order of Merit who will earn graduation at the end of the season but his five-under par total keeps the bank balance ticking over as the Tour enters a crucial part of the season, not least when Caldwell and co will get the chance to compete back on home soil at Tulfarris from August 28-30.
Old Conna’s Neil O’Briain was the only other Irish player to make the cut but could only manage rounds of 74 and 73 after a superb opening effort of 68 to finish well down the board at minus-one.
At the top, Bradley Moore won by two shots for his first-ever professional win.
Moore (Kedleston Park Golf Club) posted rounds of 65, 69 and 67 to see off strong competition from playing partner Nicholas Poppleton and Ryan Harmer. It was a good week for Moore who was leading overnight before the completion of round two. Bettering his second-place finish after a playoff against Sean Towndrow at Caversham Heath Golf Club.
Overstruck with emotion, he said: “I thought it was going to be a grind. Me and Nick (Poppleton) had a two and three-shot lead most of the round so it was just one of them where if I kept doing what I was doing all week, I was in a good position to do that more easier than Nick possibly. I almost snuck in the backdoor really in the last six holes there.”
“I’ve been playing well for a while now. I lost in a playoff but I wasn’t too disappointed about that. I knew that if I put myself in the position again to get it over the line. It’s my first professional win.”
He also paid tribute to his caddy: “Tom’s had most of the week off work. He only thought he was coming down for one day. I think he’s had the same pair of boxers for three days. It’s been a top effort for him.”
“His dad had a stroke at the start of the year and he’s always been a big supporter of mine. It happened in March and he’s come through it. He’s doing really well but like I say it’d be great to have him here. We’ll go home and I think the trophy will stay with him tonight.”
Highlights of the championship will air on Sky Sports Golf on 27, August 2019 at 20:00.
Next up the tour heads to Macdonald Hill Valley Hotel, Golf & Spa (21-23, August 2019) for the completion of the Macdonald Series.
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