Ellis clinches East Herts win

Ian Ellis (Great Yarmouth & Caister) delivered an amazing burst of scoring on his way to recording a one-shot win in the East Herts Pro-Am.

The Norfolk-based PGA professional, who teed off at the 10th, made a quiet start to his round and was level par through four holes.

But a birdie at the 15th - his fifth - was the cue for an incredible run that saw him play six holes in six-under-par.

He made four birdies and an eagle at the par five 17th in that stretch to surge to the top of the leaderboard.

A dropped shot at the third threatened to check progress but Ellis kept his cool and made a telling birdie putt at the 8th, followed by a clutch par save from the same distance at his final hole.

It all added up to a six-under-par 65, one better than early starter David Salisbury (Three Rivers), who continued his fine run of form with another top display. James Scade (Ingrebourne Links) and Stuart Brown (Thorpe Wood) shared third spot after firing respective 67s.

For Ellis, it was a welcome return to the winner's circle. He has yet to find top form in the order of merit events in 2015 and will be hoping this success can kick-start his season.

He said: "I actually holed some putts for the first time in ages. Being level after four holes was frustrating - but I stuck at it.

"The highlight of the round came at the 17th which is a short par-5. I decided to take a gamble and hit driver off the tee which left me only a sand iron into the green and a straightforward eagle.

"Knowing five-under was in the clubhouse I was really pleased to birdie the tough eighth hole from six feet then hole a tricky six footer at the ninth to win by a shot.

"I've loads of hard work ahead of me...I've got lots of points to make up in the order of merit and need to make an impact in the next two events."