Barry Lane wins British Par 3 Championship

17 years after first being invited to the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship, Barry Lane finally teed it up… and promptly walked off with the winner’s cheque

No lead could ever be considered safe around the compact, but decidedly tricky little course at Nailcote Hall, where 56 professionals have been competing for the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship over the past couple of days in a pro-am format.

But yesterday’s excellent six-under round of 48 gave British Par 3 newcomer, Barry Lane, just enough of a cushion to see off the chasing pack, led by short-game specialist, Paul Lawrie, who shot a record 46 in this event last year.

Earlier in the day, Gary Wolstenholme had matched Lawrie’s 46 from last year, cramming eight birdies and no dropped shots into a round that was 15 shots better than his opening effort on Wednesday.

That spectacular effort saw him climb into a tie for 3^rd on one-under with two Andrews – Sherborne and Marshall.

Those five were the only players under par after two days – testament to the challenge presented by a course that only just tiptoes over 2,000 yards for 18 holes.

Lane couldn’t match his fireworks of yesterday in round two, but three birdies early on the back nine proved vital, as he would go on to drop shots on both 17 and 18 while Lawrie played the final two holes in one-under. But he couldn’t deliver the closing birdie required to force a play-off.

Lane ended up on five-under after a round of 55, and Lawrie one shot behind after a closing 53.

"The course was fantastic," said Lane "Paul didn't make it easy, especially towards the end but I was confident that I could hold on. It was a wonderful tournament and I'd love to come back to defend my title next year."

VIDEO: Barry Lane reflecting on his career...

Ladies European Tour star, Charley Hull, also made an early charge in the final round with four birdies in her first five holes, but was unable to keep it going and eventually finished tied 9^th, alongside Wentworth’s Tom Reid who Tony Johnstone and I had the pleasure of playing with.

A poor shot on the 13^th seemed to inspire Reid, for having got up and down there after clattering an advertising hoarding, he birdied three of his last five holes to make a big climb up the leaderboard, rounding things off with an impressive 25-footer on 18 in front of an appreciative crowd.

Host and two-time Major winner, Tony Jacklin CBE, was on hand to present the prizes, including the £25,000 first prize to Lane. The Norma C Herd Silver Salver for leading amateur went to 13-year-old Jack Drury with a score of +8.

Carl Mason, who is the highest career money winner on the European Senior Tour, scooped the £5,000 Super Senior prize for the third year running, finishing on level par. The leading team prize was also won by Barry Lane and his playing partner, David Nelson. The pair finished on 14-under.