Glory day for Poulter

Daniel Poulter (Kartel Golf), elder brother of Ryder Cup star Ian, won the Knebworth Golf Club Pro-Am with a splendid round of six-under-par that included eight birdies – just one off the professional course record.

The 39-year-old finished four shots clear of his nearest rivals, Mark Stokes (Rayleigh Golf Range), Paul Toyer (St Neots) and Paul Hetherington (Great Hadham Golf and Country Club).

Poulter’s was the PGA East Anglian Open champion in 2007. It was 10 years after his brother Ian had won the same trophy to kick-start his spectacular career.

Mark Hooper of Rayleigh Golf Range, who leads the Order of Merit at the half-way stage, was one-under-par together with Matt Spencer (Mill Green).

Four level par rounds were completed by Andrew Pestell (Chelmsford), David Bunker (Stanmore), Darren Close (South Beds) and Andrew George (Ely City).

It was a memorable day for Poulter who also brought in the winning team of Noel Thornton, Callum Auld and Mickey Goddard with 19-under-par 123. Two shots behind were Chase Davis (Stapleford Abbotts) with amateurs Gerry Holloran, Kyle Bucking and Richard Blackett. Third team prize, in a field of 46, was won by the unattached Kieran James with Merv Smith, Chris Marley and John Drake.

Twelve-year-old Robin Carver, a junior at Knebworth Golf Club, had a hole-in-one at the 146-yard eighth. He plays off a handicap of 25.