Ex St Austell GC Captain and CGU County Seniors player Simon Harper (pictured above) put together an almost faultless round yesterday at Perranporth GC to become the Cornwall Seniors Champion for 2014. A one over par round of 73 saw him win the County Seniors Championship by the large margin of six shots in his first tilt at the championship since officially becoming a golfing senior. Simon who is well known throughout the county golfing membership was a comprehensive and well deserving  winner on a day where scoring for the majority proved tough.

Despite a poor weather forecast the 72 competitors experienced a predominantly dry day with a stiff breeze which ultimately saw a lot of high scores returned.

Harper's 73 saw him start with six straight pars before back to back bogies at 7 and 8 ultimately contributed to a 2 over front 9 of 38 shots. Further bogies at 11 and 16 , which he three putted, were cancelled out by birdies at 12, 13 and 17 which saw him complete the back 9 in -1 for 35 and the 73 total.

Runner up was Perranporth's own Steve Brooking who returned 79 to eclipse a number of senior county players who struggled both with the windy conditions and the course. Brooking used his local knowledge to good effect in recording birdie 2s at both the 4th and 6th holes. Third place went to Carlyon Bay's County player Duncan Powell who also returned a 79.

Leading Gross Scores

Simon Harper 73, Steve Brooking 79, Duncan Powell 79, 4th Dave Goodman (Bowood Park) 79, 5th Spike Drew (Truro) 80, 6th Paul Huckle (Falmouth) 80.

The day also saw winners in various age categories:

Over 70s - 1st Brian Duke (Perranporth) 30 points, 2nd David Crossley (Perranporth) 27pts 3rd Malcolm Jones (St Enodoc) 26pts

65-69 years - 1st Trevor Meadows (Trevose pictured above with Perranporth GC Captain Steve Sperring) 35pts 2nd Robin Bostock-Smith (Lanhydrock) 32pts, 3rd Paul Clahane (Trevose) 31pts

60-64 years - 1st Harry Billing (Perranporth) 36pts, 2nd David Goodman 35pts 3rd Steve Brooking 34pts

55-59 yrs - 1st Simon Harper 37pts, 2nd Spike Drew 35pts 3rd Duncan Powell 34pts

The prizes were presented by Perranporth GC Captain Steve Sperring and Cornwall Golf Union President, David Inch. (Pictured above with Simon Harper)

Steve Sperring welcomed everyone to the club and hoped that all had enjoyed their day. On behalf of the CGU David Inch paid tribute to the host club for their hospitality and welcome and for all their contributions to what was a very successful day. He made particular mention of Billy Mitchell and the greenkeeping staff saying the course had been presented in excellent order and had proved a true test for the Championship. He thanked Ocean BMW for their continued support of golf in Cornwall and of this event in particular.