South West Regional Final is toughest yet

Beautiful weather and one of the most impressive short game areas in the country greeted competitors in the South West Final at Cumberwell Park. The enormous undulating green proved to be the toughest challenge yet, as Regional Finalists looked to qualify for the Grand Final at The Belfry.

Expert Odyssey fitter, Nick Korynevsky, was on hand before the competition to offer advice on the putter that was best suited to their game. Players then had the chance to get used to the putting green before taking part in the 18 hole stroke play element of the competition. As expected, the sloping green proved difficult but Alex Jacobs, son of Top 25 Coach John Jacobs, and Cumberwell Park member, went round in an impressive 35 putts to take joint top seeding. He was joined on 35 putts by Centurion Club member, and Golf Monthly forum regular, Rick Garg. Three players took part in a nearest the hole playoff for the final two spots in the match play stages, with Andre Korynevsky and Simon Brouard making it through.

The match play stages were extremely tight, with an amazing number of games going to the 18th hole and beyond. Eventually it was Alex Jacobs who continued his form from the stroke play to make the final four and qualify for the Grand Final. He was joined by brothers Ali and Charlie James, who play off plus 2 and 1 handicap respectively, and Mike Rossiter of Enmore Park.

The semi finals were thrilling affairs, with Jacobs and Charlie James eventually making it through to the final. James was favourite up against the 8 handicapper Jacobs, but the youngster showed no fear to beat the lower player on the last hole. All four players will meet again in September at The Belfry where they will compete for the title of Britain's Best Putter 2013 and a holiday to LUMINE Mediterránea Beach & Golf Club in Southern Spain.