Another Wadkins in the limelight

Press, 24 October 1978, Page 28

Another Wadkins in the limelight

NZPA-Reuter Tadworth! Bobby Wadkins finally) came out of the shadow of his famous golfing brother, Lanny, by winning the first European open in a spectacular play-off at Walton Heath yesterday. “It was a good day for the Wadkins Brothers. Our parents will be proud of us.” Bobby said after his first professional victory when he learned that Lanny had won the Garden State P.G.A. championship in Melbourne, Australia. Bobby’s win, worth I $33,739, came after a playoff with Gil Morgan (United States) and Bernard Gallacher (Scotland), who had tied with him at nine-under-par 283 after the regulation 72 holes at the Walton Heath course, south of London. His victory was over a field of international players, including about 25 regular American tour professionals flown to Europe for this post-season event, which the European promoters hope can be made into an annual autumn classic. Australia’s young sensation, Greg Norman, the overnight leader, could easily have joined the top three had he not missed a 2m putt on the first green. Leading scores:— 283— Bob Wadkins (U.S.), 71, 72, 72, 68; Gil Morgan (U.S.). 70. 73. 71. 69; Bernard Gallacher (Britain), 71, 71. 71, 70. Wadkins won after a play-off 284— Mac McLendon (U.S.), 71, 71. 71. 71; Nick Faldo (Britain), 68 70, 75, 71; Malcolm Gregson (Britain), 72. 70. 70. 72; Greg Norman (Australia), 69. 72, 69, 74. 285— Jerry McGee (U.S.), 72, 75. 69. 69. 286— Ed Sneed (U.S.), 71. 75, 72, 68; Brian Barnes (Britain), 72. 73, 73, 68; Neil Coles (Britain), 70, 73. 72, 71. 287— Guy Hunt (Britain), 73, 73.

72, 69; Manuel Ballesteros (Spain),' 72, 73, 69. 73; David Graham (Australia). 70. 72. 70. 75. 288—John Mahaffey (U.S.). 72, 74, 71, 71; Al Geibcrger (U.S.), 73. 73, 71, 71; Tommy Horton (Britain), 70. 73, 73, 72; Sam Tor-1 ranee 'Britain). 75. 70. 70, 73; Ken I Brown (Britain), 71. 71, 72 . 74. And another American,: Lee Trevino, playing what. he termed his best golf for| many years, won the Lan-; come Trophy at St Nom la Breteche. near Paris, with a record total for the tournament of 272. 16 under par. Trevino returned a finalround 66, six under par. picking up six birdies and I never dropping a shot. He finished five strokes ahead of

(joint runners-up, Tom WatIson (U.S.) and the South (African, Gary Player, who both returned last rounds of 170. I Trevino’s total improved iby one stroke on the winning total last year when I the Australian. Graham (Marsh, and Spaniard Sevleriano Ballesteros tied for J first place and Marsh won J the play-off. j This year. Marsh finished (fourth on 282 after a lastjround 70. with the U.S. J Open champion. Andy North, (with a round of 73, and an•i other American, Bob Bymau, J finishing on 284.