Impeccable Ruth in command
07/04/2015
Stylish James Ruth tamed Cumberwell Park with a flawless eight-under-par 63 to win the second Titleist/FootJoy Assistants and U30's Pro's Sprint.
The China Fleet assistant suggested that he could be one of the players to watch in the West this season. He said: “I am striking the ball better than ever and am looking forward to making this a successful season.”
Ruth, who has now has settled down to life as a PGA assistant after playing on the European Tour, also started last season in style when he beat a star field to win the Cornish Festival. He is unable to defend his crown this month as he is taking his PGA exams.
Ruth birdied the first and second holes before making an eagle at the seventh to be out in four-under. Further birdies at the tenth, 12th, 17th and 18th edged him two shots clear of playing partner Steve Buzza who teaches at Clifton Hill Driving Range and Exeter University.
Buzza was out in 33 with birdies at the first and seventh. He drove the short par-four tenth and made eagle and then drew level with Ruth with a birdie on the 11th. But he dropped a shot at the 14th and birdies at the 15th and 17th were not enough to close the gap.
Farrington Park’s promising assistant Alex Todd produced his best performance to return four-under 67 and share third with Ross McCance (Chippenham Golf Centre) who was able to concentrate on his game rather than the impending birth of his first child.
After winning the opening event Ashley Mansell (Clevedon) shared fifth with Nathan Gilpin (Torquay) on 68 to retain his lead in the Order of Merit.
Seven players shot two-under while five more were a further shot behind as 18 players broke par. Eight matched par, including former Welsh amateur international Rachel Lewis (Vale Resort) with her best round as a professional.
