Allen masters the wind

Laurence Allen of Brookmans Park produced a round of four-under par 66 at St Neots Golf Club pro-am.

He started with a dropped shot on the 10th hole, was level after the 12th but dropped another shot in the 13th. Then he settled down to master the windy conditions. He had four birdies in his final 14 holes.

He beat Mark Stokes of Rayleigh Golf Range, now in the senior ranks, by a single shot on the par-70 parkland course designed by the great Harry Vardon. The club was founded in 1890 and the course was in superb condition.

Daniel Coughlan of Wyke Green and host Director of Golf and Head Professional Paul Toyer tied for third place at three-under-par. Jason Groat of Denver Golf Club in Norfolk and Chase Davis of Stapleford Abbotts shared fifth place at one-under. Groat had three birdies, 14 pars but his perfect round was ruined by a double at the 420-yard par four 15th hole.

The unattached Kieran James held the key to success in the team event. Together with amateurs Darren Messenger, Chris Elson and Elaine Cochrane they set a target of 12-under-par 128. Toyer, with club captain Chris Flack and members Bobby Hynes and Barry Stearns, finished one shot behind. Third team prize went to Jason Boast (Cambridge Golf Driving Range) with Dave Goodall, Mick McDonnell and Owen Meeds with a score of 130.