Worthing’s Andy lifts order of merit title

WORTHING Golf Club’s Andy Gilford continued his fine year as he won the England and Wales Blind Golf Association order of merit Championship.
Andy Gilford, pictured with wife, Melanie, is presented with the order of merit championship by England and Wales Blind Golf captain Barry Ritchie.Andy Gilford, pictured with wife, Melanie, is presented with the order of merit championship by England and Wales Blind Golf captain Barry Ritchie.
Andy Gilford, pictured with wife, Melanie, is presented with the order of merit championship by England and Wales Blind Golf captain Barry Ritchie.

Gilford, who has secured victories in the National Blind Championships and Chairman’s Cup this year, took the order of merit title for his performances throughout the campaign.

The Worthing golfer clinched the crown with a points total of 171 from his six events as he finished just a point ahead of Peter Hodgkinson.

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It was not the first time Gilford has lifted the trophy after he won it back in 2001 and he feels this success is equally as special.

He said: “It’s a great achievement to have won the title. This is only my second year back, after a ten-year break from the game, so it’s brilliant to have won it.

“I also must give a huge thank-you to my wife, Melanie, who has been guiding me for the past year or so. It’s great to secure this trophy again.”

Despite Gilford’s successes this year, he is still hungry for more wins and will now be in the annual England and Wales squad that faces Scotland, as the top nine players in the order or merit automatically qualify for the international match.

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The Worthing man is also targeting a place in the 13-man rest of the world team, who will face America in October.

He added: “The top nine players in the table will now face Scotland in the annual international. This match is always great to be part of and some really good golfers participate.

“Hopefully, I can perform well in this event and then increase my chances of being selected for the rest of the world team that will face America in October.”

Fellow Worthing member Billy McAllister will also compete in the annual international against Scotland for the England and Wales team, after he was picked for the squad as the captain’s choice.

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