Haines brings drought to an end

PGA board member David Haines (above) won a West pro-am for the first time in several years when he beat a quality field at Cirencester for a one-shot victory.

The one-time prolific winner could even afford a double bogey at the par three final hole.

It was the only blemish by the 43-year-old director of golf at Brean Golf Club and owner of the nearby Burnham Driving Range, who became his region’s PGA representative when Nicky Lumb stepped down this year after being chosen as captain-elect.

He made birdies at the first, third and 11th, another at the 17th and an eagle three at the 12th in a four-under-par 66. He was an early starter and suffered the worst of the wet conditions until the weather brightened during the afternoon to favour the later players.

Michael Watson (Wessex Golf Centre) enjoyed the best of the afternoon weather and looked to be on his way to yet another win after an electric start with birdies at the second, third, sixth and eighth. After dropping two shots at the ninth and 10th, he added his fifth birdie at the 17th and had to settle for second place one shot short.

Danny White (Players) was one of four players to share third on 68. He made seven birdies, but started and finished with double bogeys and also dropped a shot at the 14th. Paul Jones (Canford Magna) was also in contention at four-under until he took seven at the par five 17th.  Lee Thompson (Dudsbury) also played well with an eagle at the third and birdies at the fifth and 17th but added two bogeys.

Gareth Bennett (Brynhill) made a sentimental return to his former club and challenged strongly. His round was boosted by an eagle at the third although a double bogey at the fifth checked his progress until birdies at the 10th, 12th and 15th drew him close to the lead. But he bogeyed the 17th.

His contribution helped home members Andy Tibbles and Tom Waller with Gwyn Tracey (South Cerney) win the team prize with 89 points.

CIA Fire and Security, one of the club’s main sponsors, featuring Colin Harrison, Tony Francis and Neil Herbert with pro Lee Thompson were second on 88 while Liam Bond (St Pierre) led the Total Triumph trio of Neil Mossman, Clive Thorne and Simon Rudd into third on 87 points.