Luke’s fast start

Luke Goddard (Hendon) boosted his PGA Play-Offs chances with a first-round 67 to lead the KJW Millbrook Masters.

Goddard began the region’s final Order of Merit event of 2018 in fifth spot on the overall rankings, some 78 points off a top-three berth that would secure him a trip to Turkey for the end-of-season showdown.

But the 30-year-old made clear his intentions at The Millbrook with a blistering display in which he compiled an eagle and six birdies.

Five-under-par at the halfway stage for the event, Goddard leads by three shots from Glen Portelli (Old Fold Manor) and James Watts (Kingsway Golf Centre).

Portelli began the KJW Millbrook Masters in third on the Order of Merit table, while Watts was in tenth with a very slim chance of making the Play-Offs.

Order of Merit leader Jason Levermore (Little Channels Golf Centre) only needs a solid performance in the tournament to claim a fifth East region crown.

And the PGA in Essex ace opened up with a level-par round of 72 to lie tied-fifth.

On the same score overnight is Jack Winer (Abridge Golf & Country Club). He began the event as Levermore’s nearest pursuer in the race to finish top of the pile.

Rob Coles (Maylands Golf & Country Club) has won the Order of Merit in both of he last two seasons. But he has work to do on the second day to finish in the top-three this time around.

Coles, fourth on the annual rankings, finished with a bogey to slip to three-over-par and into a share of 16th place.