Ice champion on Wentworth leaderboard

It was a case of “The Ice Man Cometh” today as little-known John Wells appeared on the leaderboard in the BMW Championship at Wentworth.

The 28-year-old assistant professional from Yorkshire marked his European Tour debut with a three under par 69 – better than a whole host of established stars could manage.

Wells then told the story of his biggest victory to date. It was up in the Arctic Circle at the 2004 World Ice Championship.

“I got an invitation and was among 30 professionals from all over the world,” said the former England amateur international. “It was the survival of the fittest really and I survived.

“It was just ridiculous. There was a blizzard in the practice round and we couldn’t even see the balls – red balls – and at times the temperature when we were out on the course got down to minus 25.

“The event was four sets of nine holes. You had to stop after each nine holes to get some soup and warm up!

“I think I’m the reigning champion. I don’t think it was played last year.”

More modest success in North Region PGA events enabled Wells to take one of the spots held for club professional in the European Tour’s flagship event and he out-scored playing partners Simon Wakefield and Richard Finch by six and 10 shots respectively.

“I thoroughly enjoyed it, obviously,” said the Beverley player, who shared the lead after birdies at the fourth, seventh, 10th and 12th before slipping up at the short 14th.

“Of course I was nervous. If you’re not nervous in your first tour event, never mind one of the biggest ones, you should not be playing.

“I tried to let them help me and did everything nicely. If I don’t make the cut it’s not the end of the world and I’m not going to focus on that because I don’t think it’s good for your game.”