Will Haddrell made a triumphant return to the Moongate Tour with victory in the championship’s only Major this year at Turtle Hill Golf Course.

Making his first appearance in the championship in two years, the top amateur finished the 36-hole event at even par to pip professional and reigning Moongate Tour champion Kenny Leseur by one shot.

Scott Roy, the Turtle Hill Golf Club director and 2023 Tour champion, finished third a farther shot back at two-over to round off the podium finishers.

Haddrell shot a two-under 52 in the opening round to cling to a two-shot advantage over Roy heading into the second round at the Southampton golf course.

He found the going a bit tougher in the challenging weather over the last 18 holes but managed to get the job done with a round of 56 leaving him clear of the chasing pack.

“I played pretty well and I was happy overall,” he told The Royal Gazette.

“I haven’t been playing much golf this year; I think I’ve spent 40 days out of Bermuda already this year, so not a lot of golf.

“The first 27 I was playing great. I think I was five or six under after 27 holes in some tricky wind conditions so I was hitting really well. Just one of those days where it clicked.

“I kind of leaked coming in a little bit. I wasn’t quite sure where I was but on the last tee I knew I had a two-shot lead so I was pretty comfortable and very happy with the win.”

Haddrell made his debut in the Butterfield Bermuda Championship at Port Royal Golf Course last year and if all goes according to plan he hopes to showcase his talents at that level again this year.

“Again the main goal this year is getting myself ready for the PGA Tour qualifier,” he said.

“I’d love to get back in that so these events are stepping stones and looking to put in some more work when I’m not on a plane somewhere.”

Haddrell was the island’s top qualifier for last year’s Butterfield Bermuda Championship, with Leseur and fellow amateur Oliver Betschart securing the remaining qualifying spots on offer at Port Royal.