Defending champion takes charge

David Dixon took the first step towards retaining his Marstons West Region PGA Championship title by taking a one-stroke lead after the opening round in the 36-hole event at Chipping Sodbury.

The Enmore Park touring player shot four-under-par 68 to lead last year’s Assistants’ champion Toby Hunt (St Mellons), Antony Nash (St Enodoc) and Ed Goodwin (Cirencester) by one shot on a perfect summer’s day for golf over the course on the edge of the Cotswolds.

Early leader Barry Austin (Downes Crediton) was later joined by Tom Jessamine (Woodbury Park), Kevin Harper (East Devon) and winner of the previous day’s pro-am James Ruth (China Fleet) on 70 in fourth.

With seven other players also under par the challenge for the famous Lidgerwood Trophy, first put up in 1921, is sure to be close today.

Dixon was boosted by three birdies on the back nine after a slow start.

Hunt started well and was out in three-under 33, Goodwin made five birdies and dropped two shots.

Tracy Loveys (Bigbury) is also bidding to retain the Women’s title she won at The Players Club a year ago with a tidy one-over-par 74 to take a three-shot lead over Chloe Rogers (Celtic Manor) and Hannah Barwood (Bristol Golf Centre).

Kelvin Aitken (Chippenham Golf Centre) also made a bid to retain his Seniors’ title. His two-over 74 brought a one stroke advantage over Peter Garratt (Naunton Downs) with Gary Emerson (Remedy Oak) and Neil Holman (Torbay Golf Centre) a further shot back.