Birthday joy for Brough Classic pro-am winner

Birthday boy Gareth Davies played his cards right when he led from wire to wire in the PGA North Brough Classic Pro-am.

The Abbeydale-attached professional, who was celebrating his 39^th birthday, laid the foundation for his victory with a stunning first round five-under-par 63, highlighted by an eagle at the 533-yard 10th, and six birdies.

He led by two shots overnight then pulled further away from the chasing pack with a closing 65 containing four birdies.

Davies, who has attended European Tour school on 11 occasions, closed on eight-under.

Last man to post his score and two shots off the pace was Carden Park's Gary Houston, the Leeds Cup holder, who equalled the course record with a seven-under 61, an eagle at the second hole followed by four birdies.

Tied third were Swinton Park's David Smith, also a former Leeds Cup winner, and Matthew Daly, from Hainsworth Park.