Sawford’s stunning Hampshire Tour Championship win down to his local knowledge
![Mark Sawford (left) receives his trophy from Gordon Johnston, chief executive of sponsors HJS Solutions](/img/placeholder.png)
The top 30 pros in the Order of Merit assembled at the one of the county’s top courses as the “Race to Rowlands” - sponsored by HJS Solutions - reached a highly-anticipated climax.
Sawford had chalked up a couple of second place finishes in his debut season after becoming a fully qualified pro 13 months ago.
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Hide AdIt was a decent return but only his close friends would have given him a chance of outscoring an elite field, knowing he had played at Rowlands Castle for many years.
But not only did the Portsmouth Golf Centre rookie achieve his maiden victory as a pro, he won the championship at a canter with a five under par total of 139.
Sawford said: ‘It was great to win at my old home course against the strongest field of the season.
‘I became a member at Rowlands when I was nine and stayed there for 15 years, so I know every blade of grass pretty much.’
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Hide AdSawford, who also plays hockey for Havant in his spare time, added: ‘It was quite windy and chilly later in the day.
‘I knew from past experience the key was to try and keep the ball in play and I was very pleased with the way I finished.’
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