HCP 28
Live · Round 4
Play is underway in test best ball at Longleat
Across four rounds spanning May to August, the Longleat series has seen fierce battle with Dave securing the Overall Match Teams title and Zac claiming honours in the Overall Singles competition. Momentum shifts, team clashes, and individual feats have shaped the event's thrilling progression ahead of the final round.
Dave Clinches Top Spot in Overall Match Teams
The Overall Match Teams competition, a primary focus of the Longleat trip, concluded with Dave emerging as the leading player on stableford points, tallying 151 to finish ahead of Zac and Brian. The team contest saw closely contested matches, notably the overwhelming fourball victory by Esme and Zac 8&7, and Dave’s commanding singles wins, including a 9&7 triumph over Esme and a forfeit win against Nan. Nan pushed through with a solid 5&4 singles victory over Brian, while a singles match between Ror and Zac was halved, leaving the side contest evenly poised. Despite these fierce battles, no side claimed outright victory, reflecting the evenly matched field and heightening anticipation for a decisive final round.
Zac Leads Overall Singles on Gross Score
In the individual gross scoring stakes, Zac secured top honours across the trip with a total of 126 strokes, leading Brian and Dave by a comfortable margin. His consistent performances culminated in a commanding position atop the Overall Singles leaderboard, showcasing precise shot-making and tactical acumen. Zac’s success was punctuated by key victories in both individual and team match play formats, maintaining his unbeaten record through his matches and demonstrating resilience against formidable opponents.
Round Highlights Showcase Depth and Drama
The event has been marked by standout rounds and shifting fortunes. Mum set the early pace in the Adventure Land Masters round, posting a sharp 46-point stableford finish with ten birdies or better, while Dave's consistent checkpoint leadership kept the competition fierce. At Barkway Park, Dave dominated with 60 stableford points despite challenging wind conditions, with Esme posting the best gross score of 51. Notably, injuries forced retirements from Nan and Ror, impacting team line-ups and adding unpredictability to the match play contests. At Stevenage, Ror claimed Round 3 atop the leaderboard with a masterful 41 points, emphasizing fierce competition as the trip enters its final phase. The closing round at Le Manoir saw Dave maintain command with 19 stableford points, solidifying his overall stature in the event while Zac's standing atop the singles competition remains unchallenged.
Wider Season Stakes and Team League Impacts
This series also carries implications for the wider 2026 Order of Merit, already settled in favour of Dave, whose performances across Longleat solidified his season credentials along with a modest prize. Concurrently, the active H2H MAIN League continues to see consequential fixtures shaping team head-to-head standings, with local match outcomes influencing league progress. Notable team achievements include Test Org Team 1’s successive wins over Team 2 and the competitive clash involving Team 3, underscoring the broader competitive landscape in which this event sits.
With one round still to play, Longleat's thrilling contest remains finely poised. The ongoing tussle for top honours underscores an exciting climax in store, as key players prepare to stake their claims in the trip's decisive moments.