Thomas Rowland wins at De Vere Slaley Hall

The launch of the 2009 EuroPro Tour Championships took place at Slaley Hall on Monday, with Northumberland Youth player, Thomas Rowland, winning the nearest the pin challenge.

The 16-year-old is the current Northumberland County stroke-play champion and outshone some of the EuroPro Tour stars with a magnificent pitch from 95 yards to the 18th green of the award-winning Hunting course.

Thomas' first attempt to 5'6" in the final was enough for him to claim the Slaley Hall shoot-out prize from EuroPro player Steve Surry, who currently occupies ninth on the EuroPro Tour Order of Merit.

Following the five EuroPro Tour players taking aim at the 18th green the Northumberland team had their shot, with Surry qualifying from the professionals with his effort to 6'2", and Rowland qualifying  with an impressive shot to 5'5".

With two shots each in the final, it was Rowland who claimed the prize with his first effort of just over five feet not being surpassed by Surry, and he took home £200 worth of De Vere Slaley Hall vouchers.

Rowland, said: "I would have listed winning the County stroke-play championship as my

biggest win before today, but I might need to change to that to beating

the five pro's today!"

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