Aisbitt sets course record on way to Logan Trophy

Brancepeth Castle’s Richard Aisbitt finished six shots clear of the field to complete a wire-to-wire victory in the Logan Trophy at Northumberland.

Aisbitt scored two-under 70 to finish the 54-hole English men’s open mid-amateur championship at six-under par.

“I am delighted, chuffed to bits,” said Naisbitt, who is also the Durham champion. “This is what you want, to have the chance of winning on a Sunday.”

‘I am delighted, chuffed to bits’ Held at Northumberland, the runner-up was Aisbitt’s playing partner and friend, Andrew Minnikin, who in turn was one clear of Yorkshire’s Stephen East.

Aisbitt said: “Andy and I said earlier in the year that the next time we played it would be in the last group at the Logan and it worked out that way.

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“It’s a great one-two for the north east and we will have to invade the south next year.”

The next Logan Trophy will be held at Brokenhurst Manor in Hampshire, with both players already planning to play.

Minnikin, who scored 73 for a level par total, added: “This is my first year of playing the mid-amateur and it gives you the bit between your teeth to know you can compete.”

Aisbitt set out on the final round with a three shot lead over Minnikin and quickly extended it with a birdie on the first.

The lead widened again when Minnikin three-putted from close range on the second and by the time the pair turned for home Aisbitt was six-under for the tournament. A level par back nine completed the runaway win.

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Aisbitt’s play from tee to green was controlled and impressive, however he put himself under pressure with his putting, leaving himself with rather too many five-footers for par. He managed to hole all but one, but as he added: “It made it hard work.”

Aisbitt was unphased by leading throughout the event. “I had a dodgy spell yesterday, just after the turn, when I had four bogeys in a row, but I got off to a nice start today,” he said.

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