Dorset pair to the fore in the Bertha deluge

Dorset duo Paul Jones (Canford Magna) and Lee Thompson (Dudsbury) defied the savage thrust of the Hurricane Bertha storm to win the Marston’s West Region Championship pro-am at The Players Club, near Bristol.

The day was twice delayed in the morning because of flooded greens and bunkers while the eighth hole was taken out of play completely.

Following the second delay the afternoon resumed with a two-tee start to speed play.

South West secretary Glenn Ross described the conditions as ‘horrific’.

“We managed to get it done and the scoring was not too bad actually,” added Ross.

“We had great help from our staff and head greenkeeper Nick Perkins and his team.”

Thompson (above) savaged the four par fives, making an eagle at the ninth and birdies at the fifth, 11th and 15th in his two-under round of 66. Jones made six birdies and dropped two shots in each nine.

David Dixon (Enmore Park), Cennydd Mills (Pyle & Kenfig) and Stuart Little (Minchinhampton New) shared third on 67.

Man-of-the-moment Michael Watson (Wessex Golf Centre) threatened to win another event after standing on the 13th tee at four-under-par. But he dropped five shots in the closing six holes and was joint sixth on level par 68 alongside Giuseppe Licata (Bristol Golf Centre) and Ian Brown (Newent).

Little led the team of Jim Mardell, Farzand Mungar and Andy Jones to the team prize on 79 points. Ed Goodwin (Cirencester) with Sam Mitchell, Mitch Coarnts and Darren Robison were second on countback with Jones and the Marston’s team of Simon Marchesi, Levi Bright and Terry Parsons third on 77.

Woodbury Park member Nigel Bolt, managing director of Stalite Signs who support the region’s signage, aced the 172-yard second hole.