Ellis to the fore at Royal Norwich

Ian Ellis equalled the course record at Royal Norwich as he powered to an eight-shot victory in the PGA in Norfolk Strokeplay Championship.

The Great Yarmouth and Caister PGA Professional followed an opening two-under-par 70 with a sublime 65, containing seven birdies. Indeed, Ellis only just failed with his birdie attempt at the last, otherwise he would have broken the record set by Peter Whittle in 1997.

Ellis’ efforts left him on nine-under-par overall and the victory maintains his recent fine form. A week earlier he qualified for the second stage of the European Tour Qualifying School, which came hot on the heels of his triumph in The Rayleigh Club Championship.

The only other two players to break par for the 36 holes were Caroline Grady (De Ver Dunston Hall) and Neil Lythgoe (Royal Norwich) – the pair finished one-under. Mark Spooner (Bawburgh) and Ryan Pudney (Mundesley) shared fourth spot at two-over-par.