Cardy calls time after “best round of my life”

Ipswich golfer bows out of professional golf with record-breaking win

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LONDON, UK (14th August 2015)

 

As professional golf swan song’s go, few can be more impressive than Jack Cardy’s performance on the Jamega Pro Golf Tour at Luton Hoo on August 10-11.

 

The Suffolk ace, 23, called time on his short-lived professional career by breaking the course record with an opening nine under par 64 before a second round 68 secured a remarkable 14 under total of 132 and his first Jamega Tour win.

 

Cardy, last year’s Suffolk amateur champion who also runs a personal training business, produced a bogey-free 36 holes, finishing with three consecutive birdies, to beat Northampton’s Stephen Lewton by two shots.

 

“To win the event was a bit of a shock,” he said. “Preparation was very limited and I went to Luton Hoo not expecting a lot. I would say the 64 on day one was the best round of my life. I managed to keep making birdies with very few mistakes. Day two was even more pleasing as I managed to make good decisions and hold the lead.”

 

Breaking records is nothing new for the Manchester United fan from Hintlesham Golf Club. Last year he shot a 63 to set a course best at the Ipswich Golf Club and he also holds the junior record at Felixstowe Golf Club.

 

However, despite this success he is still determined to step down from the professional ranks. “My decision to regain amateur status stays the same,” he added. “I have always had the burning desire to represent my country and think if I can continue to enjoy my golf and play the way I know I can, I would have a great shot at that.

 

“I make a good living running my business and have priorities at home so while it is often enjoyable, being away as a pro playing for less money can be demotivating at times.”

 

Cardy’s decision may also free up some time to watch his beloved football team. “My legendary nana gave me no choice but to support the Red Devils, and I never really felt like arguing with her,” he adds. “I think I missed the cut in an amateur event the day Sir Alex retired. I suppose my head was elsewhere.”

 

Cardy’s performance at Luton Hoo capped a low scoring tournament with 30 players finishing below par on the bunker-free Bedfordshire course. Among the heavy hitters were previous 2015 Jamega Tour winners, Dale Whitnell of Forrester Park and order of merit leader David Dixon. Both finished tied for third with Hanbury Manor’s Dave Thomas, two shots back from the fast finishing Lewton who closed birdie-eagle-birdie.

 

Ealing’s Yasin Ali shot a standout back nine of 30 on day two to pick up seven shots and finish six under, but Jamega Tour Leatherhead winner Nick Cunningham matched Ali’s 66 to finish one better.

 

The impressive scoring continued as Jack Hiscock and Simon Griffiths carded 68s to briefly take the clubhouse lead, but while James Webber extended the target by another shot, the five heading the leaderboard showed few signs of letting up.

 

Dixon looked set to challenge when he reached 10 under and just a single shot behind Cardy with eight holes to play, but the birdies dried up on the home stretch and he finished tied with Whitnell and Thomas after both bogeyed the final hole.

 

“I didn't really think too much of anyone catching me,” Cardy said. “I just tried my best to stay in the present and get on with my own game.”

 

Final Leaderboard

 

1st 132 -14 Jack Cardy (64, 68)

2nd 134 -12 Stephen Lewton (68, 66)

3rd= 136 -10

• Dale Whitnell (69, 67)

• Dave Thomas (70, 66)

• David Dixon (68, 68)

6th 137 -9 James Webber (69, 68)

7th= -8 138

• Jack Hiscock (70, 68)

• Simon Griffiths (70, 68)

9th= -7 139

• Nick Cunningham (73, 66)

• Jon White (72, 67)

 

About Jamega Tour

 

The Jamega Tour was established in 2004 as a fair, open and honest pro golf tour run on behalf of aspiring tournament professionals in southern England. Now in its eleventh year, a series of two-day, 36-hole events provide a competitive challenge for professional and low handicapped amateur golfers. 

 

Press Release issued on behalf of Jamega Tour by 4Ball Media.