THE 2010 TOURNAMENT
Playoff birdie earns Kimsey first major title
Nathan Kimsey sank a 30-foot birdie putt at the first extra hole of a three-way playoff to win the Sir Henry Cooper Junior Masters against his Lincolnshire team-mate James Burnett and Scotland’s Grant Forrest at Nizels in Kent.All three had tied on 282, six under par, Kimsey coming from seven shots back at halfway to claim the first major victory of his burgeoning career, with Derbyshire’s Nick Newbold a shot further back on 283.
Kimsey had set the target on six under which Forrest matched, both players signing for 70. But it seemed they would be disappointed as Burnett was on seven under with one to play. But the 18 year old from Sleaford took five after a poor drive and returned 73.
They returned to the 18th tee for the playoff and after Forrest had secured a par four and Burnett had chipped close, Kimsey drained his winning effort across the green.
“I wasn’t expecting to hole it,” said a relieved Kimsey. “It was an unbelievable feeling when it went in. This win means so much to me. It’s my first national win and to achieve it here in what is a top prestige event is a thrill.”
Having started the final day seven strokes back, 17 year old Kimsey cut the deficit to three with a morning 67 containing an eagle and five birdies.
But he knew his chances were not entirely in his own hands. “My plan at the start of the day was to shoot as many under par as I could,” added Kimsey. “But I couldn’t have any influence on the leaders unless they faltered.
“But it was a good comeback today after I struggled in the first two rounds. I finished runner-up in the Lincolnshire Championship two weeks ago so this makes up for that.”
At one stage in the final round, Burnett enjoyed a four-shot lead after birdies at the second and third. But a triple-bogey six at the short eighth brought him back to the field and meant his fellow England boy cap Newbold was back in contention, particularly after the latter birdied three-in-a-row from the 14th.
But Burnett seemed to make a significant move when he got up-and-down from thick rough beside the 15th green for par to stay one ahead. But the drama of the 18th proved vital and a disappointment for the Sleaford lad.
Essex’s Jack Heasman carded a closing 68 for 284 and fifth place, while the overseas challenge was led by Dutchman Robbie Van West on 285 alongside Max Orrin from kent and Ireland’s Chris Selfridge.
Leading final scores (par 72):
282 N Kimsey (Woodhall Spa) 71 74 67 70, G Forrest (Craigielaw) 73 70 69 70, J Burnett (Sleaford) 68 71 70 73 (Kimsey won playoff at first extra hole); 283 N Newbold (Kedleston Park) 69 71 70 73; 284 J Heasman (West Essex) 71 74 71 68; 285 M Orrin (North Foreland) 70 74 71 70, R Van West (Netherlands) 71 75 69 70, C Selfridge (Moyola Park) 70 72 72 71; 286 P Juel-Berg (Denmark) 72 70 74 70, B Wheeler (Purley Downs) 73 69 74 70
Nations Trophy: England
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