REIGNING club champion Oliver Farrell used his local knowledge to good effect to win the annual Evesham Golf Club men’s open.

Current Worcestershire under 16 champion Farrell, who is also in the English Golf Union’s junior coaching squad, won the event at a canter with a superb four-under-par score of 68.

Some distance back was Stuart Ridley, who took second place with a score of 75 to beat visitor Paul Nielson and home club youngster Dan Richings on count-back.

The competition attracted 86 players, including 35 visitors, and they competed for the Centenary Cup.

The main event was run on a nett basis and there were prizes for the top six contestants.

Top spot — and the Open Championship — went to Richings with a fine score of 63 (75-12). His 13 pars and two birdies were pretty good for a 12-handicapper and, surprisingly, his handicap only reduced by one shot after this storming performance.

Second place went to Phil Batchelor with a 65 (83-18), while another promising junior, Dan Bailey, was third with a 66 (76-10).

Batchelor’s handicap came down two shots, while Richings was cut by one.

As Farrell had already won the gross prize, the fourth nett prize went to battling Mark Harrison with a 67 (82-15). Fifth place was decided on count-back with junior Chris Scarrett (82-13) shading it over the winner’s dad, Chris Richings (79-10).

The prize for nearest the pin went to Bailey and the longest drive was won by visitor Luke Trow, from Wyre Forest.

Club captain Richard Cross presented the prizes and congratulated all of the participants, organisers and staff for making it such a successful day.