Tom's title wrapped up before Christmas (From Bournemouth Echo)

Tom's title wrapped up before Christmas

4:53pm Friday 11th December 2009 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
• Comments(0)

SKIPPER Michael ‘Tom’ Watson capped a sensational season by lifting the Bournemouth Alliance’s Vardon Trophy for a third time at Ferndown.

It brought the curtain down on the Alliance captain’s most successful year in professional golf.

Watson is still on cloud nine after qualifying to play in four of the top European Tour events next year by winning the PGA Srixon Play-offs in October at Little Aston.

Although Watson didn’t win the Alliance’s Christmas meeting on Tuesday, he had already wrapped up the professionals’ prize with five consecutive monthly victories.

“It’s been my most successful season as a professional by far,” admitted the 40-year-old Wessex Golf Centre professional, who will play in the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, as well as the Scottish, Welsh and European Opens.

“I can’t wait to go to Scotland. There’s normally a world class field with many top Americans.

“Last year, Phil Mickelson (world number two) played.

“I’ve already played Wentworth, so I know how good that is, but I have never played Loch Lomond.”

Watson clinched the top PGA regional prize with a one-shot victory over fellow Englishman Neil Cheetham.

Watson kicks off his European Tour adventure at Wentworth on May 20-23.

“The biggest problem is getting enough competitive golf,” said Watson.

“The week before I will be picking up thousands of golf balls off the range by hand while the top players will be competing in the sunshine somewhere abroad.

“I want to make the cuts. The first goal is to do that, then anything can happen over the weekend,” he added.

“If my game remains in good shape there is no reason why I can’t do that. I’m confident in my ability every time I pick up a golf club.”

Watson hands over the Bournemouth Alliance captaincy to Ferndown’s Colin Legg in January.

Anyone wishing to sponsor ‘bag space’ for a business logo to help fund Watson’s European Tour appearances can contact him at the Wessex GC on 01305 784737.

Ferndown Christmas meeting results – Pro medal: 68 Gary Emerson, Jon Bevan, Scott Godfrey, Paul Jones; 70 Andy Beal, Michael Watson, Carl Jessup, Martyn Thompson.

Betterball net: 61 Gary Emerson and Mannis Cannie (Remedy Oak), James Wilson and Roger Ward (Dudsbury); 62 Alex Cook (Broadstone) and Harold Cooper (Meyrick), Michael Watson (Wessex GC) and Paul Wickham (Meyrick), Jeff Fawcett and Steve Davies (Dudsbury), Paul Torrible and Hilton Alcock (Broadstone).