Bebb revels in the Devon sunshine

Welshman Sion Bebb made the perfect start to his three-day visit in North Devon by winning the Pro-Am that preceded the Marstons Beer Company PGA West Region Championship at Saunton.

The Race to Woodbury Park Order of Merit leader shot five-under-par 66 over the famous championship East course as ideal preparation for his task ahead.

He made seven birdies and dropped just two shots at the seventh and 12th holes. He made three successive birdie threes from the ninth and picked up further shots at the 15th and 16th.

In-form James Ruth (St Mellion) pressed hard with five birdies and only one dropped shot at the par three fifth. Although he made a bogey five up the last he still retained his second spot two shots behind the impressive Bebb.

New Saunton assistant Nicky Maddison finished joint third, his highest place since joining head pro Albert MacKenzie. He was out in three-under-par after birdies at the second, third eighth and ninth with one bogey at the fourth. But he returned in one-over, making a bogey at the 16th.

Brian Lee (Parc Golf Academy), who had been out for several days suffering from an elbow injury, also shot 69 helped by an outstanding four-under back nine of 31.

Minchinhampton’s Stuart Little led Alan Peterson, Jonny Squire and Michael Pennicott to an eight-under-par 124 to win the team prize.

Lee’s group of Tony Peace, Charles Stanbury and David Ashley were second on 130, heading Russell Berry (BB Golf Range), Mark Finch, Jeff Laywood and Duncan Berry on countback.

Amateur John Gavin won the nearest the pin prize on the 113-yard fifth hole – with an ace. Roger Grimmond, the Saunton captain, and Peter McMullen, the club manager, presented the prizes.