Ambler's forest fire

Yorkshire-based Adrian Ambler emerged victorious at a closely contested Titleist & FootJoy sponsored winter series event at The Marriott Forest of Arden.

In blustery but dry conditions with the Arden course in good seasonal condition, Ambler, a regular winter visitor to the Midlands Pro-Am circuit, produced some early fireworks that contributed largely to a one-shot triumph over ex-Ryder Cup ace Paul Broadhurst.

Starting his round at the par-five 17th hole he chipped in for an eagle from 30 yards then followed that up by sinking a 20ft birdie putt at the famously tough par three 18th.

Three-under after two holes eventually became a four–under-par 68 as Ambler produced some steady golf with two more birdies and just the one dropped shot in his remaining holes.

Broadhurst had six birdies in his round but three dropped shots around the turn saw him edged out by one.

Among a group of five golfers further back in third after level par rounds was Lincoln Golf Centre's Paul Streeter who took top spot in the Winter Series Order of Merit as a result with three events still to come.