Joy for James

Kieran James (North Circular Golf) put behind him a double bogey at the first to surge to victory at the inaugural PGA in England (East) Benevolent Fund Pro-Am at Bush Hill Park.

James recovered superbly from a five at the 180-yard opener, going on to sign for a four-under-par 66.

That was good enough to secure him a one-shot win from home PGA professional Lee Fickling (Bush Hill Park).

James rattled in three successive birdies from the third to get into red numbers. A slip-up at the right saw him return to level par before another fine scoring spree either side of the turn proved decisive.

He made birdies at nine, 11, 13 and 14 to get to four-under and then parred his way home for his first PGA victory of the season.

Fickling had an eagle at the 266-yard par-4 14th as well as three birdies in his 67. Current East Region captain Mark Stokes finished third with a two-under 68.

Nick Moncur (St Clere’s Hall) skipped the winning team on a tally of 120.