Nothing to separate George and Stokes

Andrew George and Mark Stokes fired three-under-par 69s to take top spot in the Ely City Golf Club Captain’s Charity pro-am.

George, head professional at the host club at which he started his career at in 1980, has enjoyed a notable career that has included playing on the Challenge Tour, the Australian Tour and in the Far East between 1988 and 1995.

He was in the PGA Cup team against the United States in 1998, has made four appearances in the PGA Championship at Wentworth and played in two Open Championships. He was also European Club Professional champion in Sardinia in 2001 and 2004.

Stokes, from Rayleigh Golf Range, is now in the senior ranks hoping to make a break-through on the European Senior Tour.

Paul Hetherington (Great Hadham Golf and Country Club) and Chase Davis (Stapleford Abbotts) were joint third with two under par 70.

The other players under par were Stuart Brown (Orton Meadows) and George Howard (Brampton Park) who carded 71. Brown had the only eagle of the day on the 294-yard par four seventh hole.

The team prize was decided on count back with two teams finishing 11-under-par with 133.

Roger Gray of Thorndon Park won with Alan Coles, Tim Coles and Lucas Warren. Runners-up were Steve Cipa (South Essex Golf Centre) with Terry Ryan, Luke Ryan and Josh Bailey.

Third place, with 10-under-par 134, were Hetherington with junior Ely City members Rowan Shergold, Chloe Ashman and Ryan Woods who beat the team with Davis on count back.