Landmark 59 for Watson at Vivary Park

Michael Watson hit the magic 59 in recording his second win of the season in the Vivary Park pro-am at the shortish Taunton municipal course.

Although it translated into an impressive six-under-par total the tricky course offers two par fives and five par fours. The 11 par threes place a great emphasis on accurate iron play and competent putting. He made nine threes and two twos.

The Wessex Golf Centre professional at Weymouth, who won earlier at Sherborne, plotted his way round in halves of 30 and 29 with five birdies and an eagle two at the 15^th after dropping his only shot on the opening hole. 

He remained one shot clear of former PGA champion Scott Drummond from Plymouth who made eight birdies and dropped three shots. George Ryall (Worlebury) made six birdies to claim third on 61. 

Lee Corfield (Burnham & Berrow) was a further shot behind while James Ruth (China Fleet), Paul Hendriksen (Ivybridge) and Chris O'Neill (Cardiff) shared fifth as the only other players to better par with 64. 

Watson completed a double by leading home the winning team of G Taylor, L Taylor and C Murphy on 24-under-par 96 followed on 90 by Drummond, L Stanley, M Willett and G Brooks with Gareth Bennett (Cottrell Park) leading P Cridge, K Cridge and N Cobb into third on 89.