Consistent Stokes takes well-deserved win

Mark Stokes was faultless in a trademark display at the Barnham Broom pro-am, claiming a well-deserved one-shot victory at the end of play.

The Rayleigh Golf Range man came away from the Valley Course without a blot on his card, finishing his round for four-under-par 68.

Mark Baker of Colchester was runner-up under blue skies with a 69 that included five birdies and two dropped shots

Ian Ellis of Costessey Park, who took third place in this year’s Virgin Atlantic East Order of Merit, was also third at Barnham Broom. Despite eight birdies he could only manage to finish two-over-par. Seven of his birdies came during an impressive run to the finish on the back nine.

Andy Cotton of Ufford Park and Caroline Grady of De Vere Dunston Hall were both one-under with Jason Groat of Denver Golf Club on level-par.

Baker and his team of amateurs from Colchester were runaway team winners with 16-under-par 128. Their nearest rivals were seven shots behind with 135 when four teams were involved in a count back. Stokes teamed up with Barnham Broom’s Martin Tinsey, Robin Brooks and Chris Greaves to finish as runners-up.