Pierse is top amateur at Senior British Open

IRELAND’S Arthur Pierse was crowned leading amateur at the Senior British Open in Turnberry for the third year in succession when he closed with a four-over-par 74 to finish in a share of 62nd place on six-over-par 286.

The 52-year-old car dealer from Tipperary raced to the turn in two under. However, he then proceeded to card three bogeys and a triple bogey over the closing nine holes.

“It’s a shame to finish the way I did, but it’s still great to win the Gold Medal again,” said the former Walker Cup player.

Des Smyth moved up to 13th place after a scintillating 66.

England’s Carl Mason was left to reflect on what might have been after he lost the play-off to Tom Watson on the second hole of a sudden-death play-off.