Howard's way pays off in Portugal

Paul Howard, who enjoyed a decorated career as an amateur player in both England and Australia before turning professional last year, showed a clean pair of heels to the rest of the field in the PGA North IDS Overseas Pro-am played over four courses on the Portuguese Algarve.

The Southport & Ainsdale attached player led at the end of each day and posted a final total of 10-under-par, five strokes clear of second place Richard O'Hanlon, from Cornish club St Kew, who was one ahead of Mossock Hall's David Shacklady who closed with a 66.

The event was played over Laranjal, Monte Rei, Oceanico Old and Quinta do Lago South courses.

Meanwhile, the action stays in Portugal next week with the GW Insurance Overseas Pro-am which is also run by Bolton-based PGA North.