Wilson takes Welsh Amateur Stroke Play on first playoff hole

KENIG, Wales (Aug. 19, 2018) – It took an extra hole, but Scotland’s James Wilson added the Welsh Amateur Stroke Play title to his resume. It’s a big jump from last year’s event, when he finished T-19.

Wilson, who plays out of Balmore Golf Club, finished the week at even-par 284 after rounds of 70-72-72-70 at Pyle and Kenfig. Wilson was 1 under on the back nine in the final round for a 1-under 70 that left him tied with Tom Poole. The Englishman made up ground with a final-round 69.

Wilson won the first hole of sudden death. Already this month, Wilson was T-8 at the Leven Gold Medal. He was fourth at the East of Scotland Amateur and runner-up at the Tennant Cup.

“I’ve come close a few times in different events this season so to win this playoff was definitely the won I wanted to win,” Wilson told Wales Golf.

Despite tough weather at Pyle and Kenfig, Wilson managed his game to win.

“Lots of winds off tees, which helps me. I’m fairly straight with the long irons. …” he said. “Holed a nice few putts to stay in things and a few lucky breaks at well.”

Will Poole was solo third at 1 over, a shot out of the playoff. A group of three players tied for fourth at 2 over, including Dan Brown, Jake Bolton and Thomas Forster.

What a week for @ScottishGolf James Wilson from @BalmoreGC. Winner of the 2018 Welsh Open Stroke Play Championship. Here are his thoughts on how he tackled the tough conditions this week @PandKGC #WGchamps #walesgolf pic.twitter.com/3j9yfLWiqZ

— Wales Golf (@wales_golf) August 19, 2018