Mayo victorious at the Grove

Former European Tour player Paul Mayo (Pontnewydd) proved his class once again by winning his first PGA in South Wales event of this winter season with a two-under par 68 return at the Grove.

On a warm and calm March day at the Porthcawl venue, he won by three shots. His only bogeys came at the tricky fourth and fifth holes, but he managed to offset these with two birdies on each nine.

Rhys Enoch (Celtic Manor), Matt Dearden (Vale Resort) and Christian Askins (Radyr) shared second on 71, each earning eight order of merit points. Enoch and Deaden both carded birdies and three bogeys. Askins, however, had a more up and down day with a double bogey, three bogeys and four birdies.

Mayo and his amateur partner, James Gravenor won the team prize with a best-of-the-year 59. Paul’s son Joshua Mayo (Parc Golf Club/Asbri Golf) picked up the best assistant prize shooting 72 to tie fifth with Kristian Crane (Raglan Parc).

Craig Melding (Neath) still holds top spot in the order of merit going into the final event, the St Mellons Pro/Am. His lead of 7.5 points should be enough for him to claim the end of year spoils of an extra £300 should he card a solid round at the Cardiff venue.

But he could face a late challenge from home professional Toby Hunt, who is in second spot. The St Mellons winner picks up 10 order of merit points and Hunt could take the lead if he triumphs.