Clayton cruises to West Hill win

Hankley Common’s Ben Clayton won the West Hill Pro-Am, one of the highlights of the PGA South’s schedule, by a three stroke margin after shooting a bogey free five-under-par 64.

Taking home £2,000 - the biggest club Pro-Am cheque of the season - in the process, the heathland specialist was pleased with the way he played, saying: “Great day, perfect weather, and West Hill was in unbelievably good condition, backing up claims to be one of Surrey’s finest courses. And as a recently appointed Wilson ambassador I was playing with a brand new set of irons that were literally straight out of the box and into my bag!”

He added: “I drove well, even reaching the par four 12^th but three putted, and then birdied three of the holes you’d be happy to just make par at. My putting was good, 26 putts for the round, but living just five minutes away I also know West Hill very well and play it a lot. And it’s my first win of the year!”

Just one-under at the turn, Clayton turned on the fireworks with a birdie at the 11^th, made two more at the 14^th and 15^th, and then one more at the 18^th for good measure.

His flawless performance left his nearest rival, Leatherhead’s Michael Lowe, trailing on two-under-par 67 for the runner’s up prize of £1,500, along with the only other players to break par, Prince’s Charlie Wilson and Chelsfield Lakes’ James Weekley who both carded 68s and took home £925 each.

Along with near perfect weather conditions, West Hill was in immaculate shape and enjoyed by all the of 50 teams playing. Lowe’s day was boosted by his leading his group to victory, edging Woodcote Park’s Ben St.John’s team into second spot and Clayton helping his team to third.