Golding rallies for Wales Senior Open crown

Jun 16, 2013 - 5:00 PM Bridgend, Wales (Sports Network) - Philip Golding fired a 5-under 66 on Sunday to rally for a 2-stroke victory at the Wales Senior Open.

Golding, who finished second at this event last year, finished at 2-under-par 211 at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club.

It was his first career victory on the European Senior Tour.

"I have to admit that I didn't play at my best today in terms of ball striking and off the tee, but my short game was really on early in the round and I made some really important par saves early on to stay in the tournament," said Golding.

David J. Russell (71) finished in second at even-par 213, while second-round leader Ian Woosnam struggled to a 4-over 75 to fall into a share of third place with Barry Lane (70) and Andrew Oldcorn (71) at 1-over.

Woosnam entered the day with a 1-stroke lead, but his title bid was derailed by a pair of couple bogeys at the ninth and 13th.

Golding, meanwhile, took advantage of Woosnam's downfall by picking up a couple of shots at the fourth and sixth before reeling off three straight birdies from the ninth to grab the lead.

After trading another birdie at the 15th with a bogey at the 17th, the Englishman closed with a par at the last to close out the win.