Marshall Claims Lyle's World Hickory Open Title

Martin Dempster reports that Sandy Lyle was unable to defend his World Hickory Open title, so Englishman Andrew Marshall gladly took the title with rounds of 67-76 at Carnoustie's Buddon and Championship courses.

Dempster writes:

After finishing as runner-up to Lyle 12 months ago, Marshall, who is attached to Dereham in Norfolk, went one better as he followed an opening 67 on the Buddon course at Carnoustie with a 76 on the Championship layout in the Angus town.

He finished a shot ahead of American amateur Cliff Martin (69-75), with Carnoustie’s Fraser Mann (71-75) two shots further back in third in an event that featured 120 players from 18 different countries.

“The scoring was pretty good and I’d say that was down to two or three things,” said Lionel Freedman, the event’s brainchild and chairman. “The quality of the players, first and foremost, and also the quality of the courses, which were both in superb condition, while we were blessed with very good weather on this occasion, too.”

Next year's event is at Panmure.

Special shoutout to all who played, including fifth place finisher Alistair Good, professional at Gullane.