Cruse thrives despite increased responsibilities

Cornwall’s Joe Cruse gave further evidence that increased responsibilities off the course as a head PGA Professional have not hampered his form on it by winning the Wiltshire Open.

Cruse had spent 21 years at St Enodoc Golf Club as a member and assistant pro to long-serving Nick Williams when he was appointed head pro at Bowood Park Golf Club in March.

While at St Enodoc he earned a reputation as one of the most accomplished golfers in the club’s history and he has continued to justify that description despite the demands of his new role.

So much so that the 32-year-old has enjoyed his best season as a player since turning pro.

He began it by finishing tied first with former DP World Tour player Dave Coupland in the Cornish Festival and ended his PGA South West’s Order of Merit campaign by winning the Wiltshire Open at Kingsdown Golf Club.

He had to do so via a play-off, however, after completing the 36-holes level with Clevedon Golf Club’s Ashley Mansell on nine-under.

Confronted with a three-foot putt for birdie on the first hole in the subsequent head-to-head after his rival holed out in par, Cruse held his nerve to earn the £2,500 first prize.

The victory, coupled with two tied-third place finishes in the Carlsberg Marstons Order of Merit, also saw him qualify for the 2025 PGA Play-Offs.

"That was my focus for today,” said Cruse, who finished second behind Toby Hunt in the Order of Merit. “I wasn’t really thinking about winning today – just doing enough to get in the top three and qualify for the Play-Offs.”

Having achieved his objective, Cruse expressed his gratitude to his new employers for encouraging and allowing him to pursue his playing career.

“Bowood have been great,” he added. “They let me play whenever I want so I can’t thank them enough for their support.”

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