Mansell sprints to victory

Ashley Mansell is the PGA in England and Wales (South West) Assistants’ Sprint champion.

He claimed the crown after another superb display in the four-event early-season competition for assistant professionals and players under 30.

The 24-year-old Clevedon player, who is in his first year on the PGA Foundation degree, finished in a tie for second in the fourth and final event at St Mellons in Cardiff after winning twice and taking fifth in the three previous events.

He finished his round in a flourish with three birdies on the back nine after a slow start.

The former Somerset amateur star, who has settled down to life as a PGA professional at his boyhood club, returned a one-over-par 71 alongside Will Hobbs (Mendip Spring), who achieved his career best finish.

Established South Cerney player Ross Langdon took top place with the only sub-par round of the day. He made birdies at the sixth, 12th, 13th and 15th for his 69 and a two-shot win.

Alex Nicholson (Lady Pairs Golf Tour), Richard Woods (Dainton Park), shared fifth on 72 while Rachel Lewis (Vale Resort), James Keitch, Tim Baker (Celtic Manor), Robert Jackson (Morriston) and Toby Hunt (St Mellons) were a shot further back on sixth.

Huw James, area sales manager for Footjoy, made the presentation with PGA West chairman James Lee (Caerphilly).