Five-shot lead for Dixon at Saunton

Late starter David Dixon (above) took a firm grasp of the inaugural Saunton Classic with a sensational round of nine-under-par 62 over the West course at the classic North Devon links with a flurry of eagles and birdies.

Just when it seemed that three players would tackle the second day as joint leaders, the former winner of the St Omer Open on the European Tour came along to shatter their illusions in near darkness.

Going into the final 18 holes over the East course today Joe Ferguson (Celtic Manor), Toby Hunt (St Mellons) and Stuart Little (Minchinhampton) now find themselves five shots off the pace after respectable returns of 67.

Unless the 37-year-old Enmore Park player implodes, he seems certain to claim only his second Order of Merit win following success in the Forest Classic at Forest Hills and Forest of Dean last year.

He started slowly making only two birdies in an opening two-under-par 33. Then he cut loose with eagles at 10 and 12, both par fives, and further birdies at 13, 15 and 17 to close in seven-under 29.

“A fantastic display,” said his playing partner and good friend Andrew March, this year’s regional captain from Brean. “I have never seen him play better and we grew up playing golf together.”

Ferguson made a bright start and was five-under after 12 holes, Hunt made seven birdies, including four in a row from the ninth, but marred his day with a double bogey at the par three closing hole.

Little, another former Tour player was also five-under after his fifth birdie at the 12th but he dropped two shots on the 13th although he picked one up on the 17th.

Dudsbury pair Lee Thompson and Mark Wiggett, Ross Langdon (South Cerney) and Richard Dinsdale (Parc Golf Academy) were in with a chance after returning three-under 68 but the Dixon factor has caused a major re-think.

Although Dixon also leads the better ball with 47 points this section is more open. He is just two ahead of home professional Albert MacKenzie with five more pairs on 44.