Advantage for Dixon in Championship

David Dixon (above) claimed first round advantage in an epic PGA in England and Wales (South West) Order of Merit battle with Michael Watson at The Players Club, near Bristol .

The Enmore Park touring player assumed a commanding three-shot lead over his rival for the season’s top spot in the sixth and final ranking event of the season after a stunning seven-under-par 65 in a mixture of sunshine and heavy showers.

The Wessex Golf Centre man would have certainly matched him but for one major blemish at the 544-yard par five fifth that yields more than its fair share of eagles and birdies. Instead of picking up shots, he took seven.

Before then he stood at three-under after opening with a birdie followed by an eagle at the 376-yard third when he holed his second shot. He quickly picked up shots at the seventh, ninth and 11th but further birdies were elusive.

European Tour winner Dixon was in no mood to relinquish advantage to his playing partner.  After a sedate start he proceeded to pick up five shots with birdies at the fifth, eighth and 12th after an eagle three at the ninth.

Although he dropped his only shot at the par three 13th, he ended with further birdies at the 15th, 17th and 18th.

The player who finishes higher after today’s final 18 holes becomes the region’s No1 and the pair are playing side-by-side again in what is certain to be a classic match play-type situation.

Cennydd Mills (Pyle and Kenfig) shot even par 72 to claim a one stroke lead over Tom Longley (Gloucester), Joe Ferguson (Celtic Manor) and Toby Hunt (St Mellons) in the assistants’ championship.

Graeme Biggs (Burnham Golf Range) leads the seniors’ section by one shot from Welsh ace Paul Mayo.

Tracey Loveys (Bigbury) holds a one-shot advantage over Curtis Cup player Hannah Barwood (Bristol Golf Centre) in the women’s event.