IGNORANCE was bliss for first-time golf major winner Ryan Jones at Stamford.
The 30-year-old from Springhead was unaware the 36-hole Vice Presidents and Morris Medal was a major.
“I didn’t realise it was a major until I finished which took off the pressure, especially on the second round,” explained the engineer who works in the financial industry.
Ryan shot two identical rounds of 77-11-66 for a two round nett total of 132 which landed the Vice Presidents, the nett competition.
“It was nothing spectacular. I had a lot of pars and simply played steady golf,” he explained.
The win also helped Ryan, who has only been playing golf three years, to a notable milestone as his handicap was cut to single figures for the first time.
He explained: “That has been something I have been chasing and I am happy to have achieved that in three years.
“Now I have hit that target, I would like to get down to seven by the end of the year.”
Runner-up was Michael Grainger with 72-5-67 and 73-5-68 for 135. He also landed the Morris medal for the lowest gross score.
Third place went to Sam Hudson (70 and 67 for 137), fourth was Ryan Glaister (73 and 66 for 139) and fifth was Steven Moores (67 and 73 for 140).
The first-day prize went to Ryan Jones (77-11-66) from Michael Grainger (72-5-67) and Steven Moores (72-5-67).
The second-round winner was Regan Glaister (79-13-66) on the card from Ryan Jones (77-11-66). Third was Sam Hudson (74-7-67).