Toby Hunt overcame jetlag to ensure there were no eleventh-hour upsets to prevent him from winning the PGA South West region’s Order of Merit for the second time.
Having won two of the three events played in the Carlsberg Marstons-sponsored series, the 32-year-old Welshman went into the final one at Kingsdown Golf Club, Wiltshire, with a 200 points-plus lead.
It was not enough to be unassailable, however, and despite arriving to compete in the Wiltshire Open less than 24 hours after playing in the PGA Cup in the USA, Hunt was not prepared to leave anything to chance.
Needing a place in the top 30 to guarantee success, the pro from Whitchurch Golf Club, Cardiff, defied the debilitating effects of having just three hours sleep to complete the 36-holes in two-under par and finish tied-sixth.
Reflecting on his Order of Merit campaign, he said: “I had a couple of good results, winning at Woodbury Park and the Players Club, and a top five finish at Bovey Castle.
“It was not the best preparation getting back from the PGA Cup last night and it was tough to play 36 holes today, but I managed to get in the top six.
“I’m feeling the effects of jetlag. I’ve had about three hours sleep so am pretty tired but playing in the PGA Cup was a great experience.
“It’s definitely something I want to try and play in again, especially as the result didn’t go our way - we were out-putted more than anything.
“Fingers crossed I can get back in the team and have another go in two years’ time.”
In winning the Order of Merit, Hunt has qualified for the 2025 PGA Play-Offs and will be joined there by Bowood Park Golf Club’s Joe Cruse, who finished runner up, and Ali Balcombe of Weston Super Mare Golf Club who was third.
