Coles and Winer lead the way

Rob Coles (Maylands) and Jack Winer (Abridge) were tied for the lead of the London Open@West Essex after firing first-round 67s.

The pair are at three-under-par, one clear of 2015 Order of Merit champion Darren Charlton (Dunstable Downs).

Talented trainee Winer was the early leader, thanks to a two-under-par back nine. But Coles matched him at the top after a flying finish that saw the former European Tour professional birdie the 17th and then eagle the closing par-5.

Both are in the final group this afternoon alongside Charlton who notched four birdies in his final five holes. Also in contention is Chase Davis (Marriott Sprowston Manor), who is a shot back.

Former BMW PGA Champion Simon Khan is in the mix, too. He’s one of five golfers in a group at level par and very much in the hunt.

A superb day’s golf saw two holes-in-one with Chris Grant (Garon Park) making an ace at the 184-yard 15th. Chris Goddard (Romford) holed his tee-shot at the 160-yard third.