Local golfer Carl Duke put together two excellent rounds of golf to win the 11th leg of the Jamega Professional Tour at Mentmore this week and take home a cheque for £4000.

The first day on Mentmore’s Rothschild course was bright and sunny with light winds, so low scores were predicted, which were achieved by Ryan Massetti and David Ginn who both ended the day on 7 under par 65. However, on the second day, which was equally warm, the players had to contend with a strong breeze and Massetti’s and Ginn’s lead evaporated to leave them 5 and 4 under par respectively. Meanwhile, Neil Reilly stormed through the field scoring a brilliant 64 to set an impressive early target of 8 under par 136 for the rest to beat.

Carl Duke proved himself well up for the challenge, having a birdie fest and scoring no less than nine in all with just two bogeys spoiling an otherwise immaculate card. In the end, Duke stormed to the front finishing on an impressive 11 under par 133 with a two shot lead to take his first win on the Jamega Tour.

Carl said of his win: “It was brilliant. The Jamega team ran an excellent tournament, which was very well organised. All their venues are good and they give golfers like myself the opportunity to get accustomed to facing the sort of challenges we may find further on in our careers. “It is tough trying to make a living playing professional golf unless you are lucky enough to hit the big time on the European Challenge events, where you are likely to attract sponsorship. Jamega is the first stepping stone for golfers aiming to achieve that level and is unique in giving prize money much farther down the field than other tours which makes it invaluable for aspiring professionals.”

Carl who was born and brought up in St Albans, now living in Luton, is an ex-England international golf player at boys and youth level. He turned professional at 19 and played five full years on the pro tours. However, making a living out of playing golf proved difficult and he spent the next three years teaching at Radlett Golf Centre followed by a stint as a cars salesman. Carl currently works full time at a car storage and valeting depot at Luton Airport but his dream is still to be able to support himself as a professional golfer.

Carl will be seen next on the Jamega Pro Tour at Magnolia Park, Aylesbury on the 19th and 20th July.