Paul Shields shares title in South Africa

GLASWEGIAN Paul Shields was deemed the joint-winner of the Northern Amateur Open in South Africa after the 36-hole final in Johannesburg was abandoned due to flooding.

At Randpark Golf Club, Kirkhill’s Shields and South African Aubrey Barnard were all square after 30 holes before officials called a halt due to the unplayable conditions. With the course saturated, Shields and Barnard returned to the comfort of the clubhouse to each clutch one hand on the trophy.

Shields, who defeated team-mate Fraser McKenna (Balmore) in Thursday’s semi-final, was bidding to emulate compatriot David Law’s win in the competition a year ago. Given the decision by to share the prize, the 21-year-old has claimed his biggest title success.

Shields was seeking outright glory after runner-up finishes in the Scottish Boys’ Championship (2008 and 2009), and was beaten to the South African Amateur title by Michael Stewart in last year’s all-Scottish final. His hopes looked forlorn after the first nine holes of the final, Barnard taking a three-hole lead before the contest was halted for the first time due to the rain. Shields responded by winning the 10th, 13th and 14th holes before making birdie at the 18th to lead by a hole at lunch.

Shields went two up with a birdie at the 19th, before Barnard won the 20th and 21st to square the tie. The Scot won the 24th and 25th to restore his two-hole advantage, before his opponent rallied with wins at the 27th and 28th.