Gandy tops leaderboard/Matchplay draw

Tom Gandy topped the leaderboard in qualifying on the opening day of the 2013 Grant Thornton Isle of Man Close Amateur Golf Championship at Douglas.

The Rowany golfer carded rounds of 71 and a three-under-par 66 for a total of 137 to clinch the William Woods Trophy.

And in an emotional moment, he was also presented with the Davy Jones Memorial Trophy after 36 holes of qualifying - on countback from defending champion Paul Lowey.

Gandy was a close friend of two-time champion Jones who was killed in a motorbike accident 13 months ago.

Gandy was one shot clear of defending champion Lowey, Castletown’s Andrew Challenor and former champion Darryl Callister.

14 players finished on 145 or better, including first-time qualifier Alex McAuley.

There was a four hole play-off between four players tied on 146.

Eight-time champion Julian Sutton emerged triumphant with Mike Rae securing the final spot in sudden death from Godfrey Kelly and Steven Skilicorn to set up an intriguing match play draw.

Scores:
137 Tom Gandy
138 Paul Lowey, Andrew Challenor, Darryl Callister
139 Mark Sutton
140 Herman Loubser
142 Richard Skillicorn, Kevin Moore and Neil Caine
143 Jonathan Corke
144 Peter Glover and Alex McAuley
145 Mark Curphey and Liam Cowin

Play-off: Julian Sutton
Sudden death: Mike Rae

Match play draw:
Matches to be played on Tuesday at 10 minute intervals from 4.30pm.

Paul Lowey v Mark Sutton
Alex McAuley v Julian Sutton
Mark Curphey v Neil Caine
Kevin Moore v Andrew Challenor
Darryl Callister v Richard Skillicorn
Jonathan Corke v Peter Glover
Mike Rae v Herman Loubser
Tom Gandy v Liam Cowin