2013 Regional Finals begin at Formby Hall

The first four qualifiers for the Britain's Best Putter Grand Final 2013 have been found. Formby Hall was the host venue for the first Regional Final as players competed to become the North West Champion.

On arrival players from all over the region were presented with a goody bag and, with the help of an Odyssey fitter, picked an Odyssey putter to use for the day. After getting used to the slick putting green, adjacent to the excellent Formby Hall Par 3 course, players began the contest with an 18 hole putting competition. The layout proved a tricky one but 2 handicapper, Robbie Chisnall from North West National Golf Club, grabbed the number one seed position with an impressive 33 putts. The cut off point for the last 16 match play stage was made at 38 putts, including a four way playoff for the final place, eventually taken by Mike Sinnett. The standout tie of the final 16 matches was undoubtedly the father verses son contest between Joe and Peter Yates. After a cracking game it was father, Peter, who progressed into the next round with a one hole victory.

After some excellent games the four semi finalists, and Grand Final qualifiers, were Vale Royal Abbey Golf Club's Stuart Green, Greg Watson of Dean Wood, Robbie Chisnall and David Wright. Each of them not only secured a place in the Grand Final at The Belfry, they also won an Odyssey putter. They will compete against the rest of the finalists for the chance to be crowned Britain's Best Putter 2013 as well as winning a holiday to the LUMINE Mediterránea Beach & Golf Club, Southern Spain.

With the pressure of qualification lifted, all four golfers displayed some of the finest putting of the day. Robbie Chisnall and Stuart Green were particularly impressive, securing their places in the final. Chisnall looked to be in control after winning the first two holes, but Green fought back well. With four holes to play though, Chisnall showed his class once again with two single putts in a row to go 2-up. The number one seed then two putted the next to take the title. After switching from his usual long putter, the youngster might be temped to continue with the shorter version of the Odyssey White Hot #7 model for the Grand Final. Either way he will undoubtedly be one to watch.