GOLF ace Oliver Farr is taking a well-earned break from competitive action this week after finishing third in his latest European Challenge Tour outing.

The 26-year-old claimed third spot after a superb final round 67 in the maiden D+D Real Slovakia Challenge.

Farr, who represents Wales, is now fifth in the order of Merit.

And the former Ludlow Golf Club champion will be returning to the tour next Thursday for the Le Vaudreuil Golf Challenge in France.

“I have taken off this week because the European Challenge Tour schedule is very packed,” said Farr, whose family live in Newnham Bridge.

“I have just played for five weeks in a row and I have decided to take off the Swiss Challenge and return for France.”

Farr topped the EuroPro Tour Order of Merit last year to book his place on the Challenge Tour.

In May, he won his win title on the Challenge Tour - the Turkish Airlines Challenge.

“I felt I had a really good event in Slovakia and I feel I am having a really good and consistent season,” said Farr, who now lives in Hereford.

“I am enjoying it immensely and there is a step up in standard from last season.

Scotsman Andrew McArthur held his nerve with a commanding display to claim the second European Challenge Tour title of his career with a flawless four under par final round of 68.

McArthur, who becomes the first winner of a major men’s golf tournament in the eastern European nation, led the field by a single shot heading into the final round but knew he would have a big job on his hands to close out the title.;

“Sam Hutsby missed a short putt at 13 and I thought that gave me a bit of breathing space with him but then I saw that Oliver Farr was 19 under. Then Sam birdied 14 and eagled 15 with a massive putt.”

Farr, who is attached to Worcester Golf and Country Club, says the tour will be running until November.

“There are some very exciting places to look forward,” said Farr.

“Azerbaijan will be a bit different – it has been added to the list and there’s also an event in Dubai and I have never been there before.”

Results:

1 - 267 A McArthur (Sco) 65 66 68 68,

2- 269 S Hutsby (Eng) 66 69 65 69,

3 - 270 O Farr (Wal) 68 67 68 67,