There was real tension and excitement in the clubhouse as we gathered at Moortown for the final event of the season.
Charlie Langdale was there early to compose himself, while Martin Mellor had a spring in his step as both set their sights on the overall prize. Order of Merit leader Hamish McKenzie could only follow events from afar, watching the live leaderboard at the airport as he prepared to head off on a family holiday.
The weather was, as always with our events, kind, but the wind meant Moortown would be a tough test.
The drama built through the front nine, with Tobias and David Cusworth trading blows at the top of the leaderboard. Charlie needed a top-two finish and Martin a top-three finish to win the trip to Portugal, but the pair were neck and neck in fourth place.
The first nearest the pin was on the iconic 10th hole, Gibraltar. Playing into a stiff breeze, with the pin tucked at the back right, it was a challenging shot. A number of players found the front of the green, but Jamie Tinsley was the one celebrating; taking revenge on Greg Robertson, who had knocked him off the nearest the pin leaderboard on several occasions throughout the season.
As the back nine unfolded, Martin edged into third place. All of a sudden, Hamish’s pre-flight drink didn’t taste quite so good!
With the round entering its final few holes, David Cusworth had built a commanding lead. The question was whether Charlie and Martin could break away from the chasing pack to secure the points they needed.
The second nearest the pin came on the 17th. A fantastic shot from David looked to have won it, until Tobias, playing in the final group, produced a superb wedge to take the spoils.
Meanwhile, it was Michael Goodare who made a late charge, finishing strongly to claim second place with 36 points. With David already in the clubhouse on 39 points, Charlie’s race was run.
Attention turned to Martin, but he finished three points short of third place. Hamish could finally relax and begin his family holiday knowing he had secured the Order of Merit crown—with another golf holiday, this time to Portugal, to look forward to.
Another fantastic season of golf, with the overall title decided in the final few holes. Congratulations to David on winning the season finale, and to Hamish, our Order of Merit champion!
Thank you to everyone who joined us throughout the season. We’re already looking forward to a fantastic 2027!
