Duo are Kings of Leeds Castle

Benn Barham (PGolfCoaching@Pedham) shared top spot with James Jones (Tonbridge Golf Centre) in the second Leeds Castle Pro-Am, supported by Guy Salmon JLR Maidstone.

Both players carded one-under-par 33s for the nine hole event at the stunning Kent venue.

Steve Purves, Leeds Castle GC’s head PGA Professional and golf manager, commented: “It was again an honour to host a Pro-Am tournament at what we believe is one of the finest 9 hole golf courses in the country.

“Here at Leeds Castle we are into the second year of major investment to improve the course and progress to becoming a members club.

“The condition of the course is fantastic and to hear that from all my fellowPGA Professionals makes mevery proud. I’d like to thank all of our sponsors and, in particular, Guy Salmon JLR Maidstone. We are already looking forward to hosting another PGA event again in 2016.”

Barham, the reigning Virgin Atlantic PGA South Order of Merit champion, was delighted to share his win with Jones.

“Of the nine hole courses I’ve played, this was an impressive experience and one of the most picturesque, with the castle in sight most of the time - I really enjoyed it," he said.

“The wind made things pretty tricky, but the course in great condition and the greens were excellent, even though I didn’t hole as many putts as I’d have liked!”

Jones reinforced Barham’s comments, and added: “I thoroughly enjoyed the refreshingly different nine hole format to the usual 18 hole one. With the constant presence of one of the UK’s most beautiful castles, the golf course is unique.”

Despite a talented field, Barham and Jones were the only two players to break par around the Leeds Castle course, and they each took home their tidy winner’s cheques.

Victory at Leeds Castle gave Jones his first win for in 2015, having come very close to winning the recent Redhill & Reigate, London Beach and West Surrey Pro-Ams in the last week.

Three shots behind was the chasing pack of James Cunliffe (Sedlescombe), Michael Lowe (Leatherhead), Bruce McDonald (PGolfCoaching@Etchinghill) and Richard Neil-Jones (Hilden Park Golf Centre) on two-over-par 36.

Both Barham and Jones birdied the third and made pars at every other hole for their cards of 31.

However, Jones led his amateur team to victory in the Pairs BetterBall event with a three-under-par total, while Barham with his partner John Chapman came second.

The event was sponsored by Guy Salmon JLR Maidstone, Cliffe Enterprise Ltd, thinkzest, Alan Parkes Construction and Arkas.