Rankings victory for David

Oct 2 2007 by David Birtill, Liverpool Daily Post

ORMSKIRK’S David Shacklady has finished top of the PGA North Region’s order of merit.

The Mossock Hall-attached player finished in a share of sixth place at the final qualifying competition, the Automatic Retailing PGA North Region Championship at Burgham Park.

That was enough to clinch top spot by 57 points from Houghwood’s Barry Taylor.

The event was won by John Harrison. The Matfen Hall head professional has established a reputation over the last few years as a fine coach and lists European Tour player Kenneth Ferrie among his success stories.

But he also seizes every opportunity to compete himself.

Harrison, at 47, is one of the oldest winners of the tournament, in which he led in all three rounds, closing with a 70 for a nine-under-par total.

That gave him a comfortable three shot victory over Taylor.

LEADING SCORES: 207 John Harrison (Matfen Hall) 68,69,70; 210 Barry Taylor (Houghwood) 71,70,69; 211 Paul Eales (Northern Rock) 72,71,68, Adrian Ambler (Walton Golf Centre) 69,72,70; 212 Robert Bundy (Spaldington Golf Links) 69,70, 73; 213 Vincent Guest (Teesside) 72,71,70, David Shacklady (Mossock Hall) 72,69,72; 214 Graham Cox (Warrington) 73,72,69, George Cowan (Westerhope) 72,71,71.

ORDER OF MERIT: 797pts David Shacklady (Mossock Hall); 740 Barry Taylor (Houghwood); 647 David Smith (Swinton Park); 606 Nick Ludwell (Selby); 577 Graham Cox (Warrington) 493 John Wells (Cherry Burton).