Berry lands Disabled British Open

Scotland’s Alasdair Berry was crowned 2012 yourgolftravel.com Disabled British Open champion following an emphatic six-shot victory at East Sussex National.

The 21-year-old from Irvine Ravenspark Golf Club, who plays off three, carded an impressive two-round total of 9-over to finish clear of first-round leader Joakim Bjorkman, Kevin Harmison and two-time DBO champion Duncan Hamilton-Martin.

“It feels fantastic and it hasn’t quite sunk in yet,” said Berry, reflecting on a four-year odyssey that has seen him twice finish third and second in 2010.

“I’ve been close for the past three years so it’s great to have finally won this year. The conditions were difficult during the second round as it was very windy. After the first hole, Joakim and I were level on scores and he gave me a great game.”

Remarkable Events’ director Lindsey Horton said: “Alasdair was an incredibly popular winner, particularly with his fellow competitors. Having come so close in the previous three events it was perhaps fitting that he should succeed at the fourth attempt.

“The competition was very strong, however, and it was great to see Joakim Bjorkman come so close on his tournament debut.

“It shows the DBO is a truly international event now, with 16 countries represented, and this is the first time the winner has come from anywhere other than England.

“The natural conclusion is that as the international participation in the event continues to expand, it will not be long before the title leaves these shores.”

The yourgolftravel.com Junior Disabled Open - for under 18s - was retained by 14-year-old Frankie Jones from Welshpool.

Berry also took the senior category one title for those with a handicap of 12 and under, while blind golfer Andrew Sellars (Normanton GC) took the category two title and Scott Richardson (Stockwood Park) claimed the category three event.

Highlights of the tournament will be shown on Sky Sports on September 18 (SS3 7pm and SS4 11pm) and September 19 (SS3 9am and SS2 noon).

For more information visit www.disabledbritishopen.org

Follow @Golfmagic and like our Facebook page for all the latest golf news.