Only Towler and Dixon break par

“Brutal” - there was no other word from the 114 PGA professionals and their amateur partners after a succession of sky-high scores on the opening day of the Asbri Golf Cornish Festival in swirling winds and steady drizzle.

There was no sign of the predicted summery weather as only two players broke par and a high percentage recorded more bogeys than pars. It was one of the worst days many could remember. This made the achievements of Luke Towler (Telford) and David Dixon (Enmore Park) especially praiseworthy.

Midlands champion Towler’s one-under-par 71 with three birdies came at Trevose, rated the easiest of the three seaside courses.  “I played nicely from tee to green but it was just a question of keeping the ball in play as it was a tough grind.”

Dixon, fresh from playing in Portugal, had even greater reason to feel satisfied as his 71 came at Carlyon Bay where horrendous tales unfolded. Two birdies and an eagle at the tenth were highlights.

Previous winners Ryder Cup men Phillip Price and Peter Baker, who are playing with success on the Seniors European Tour, were casualties at Carlyon Bay.  Defending champion Baker dropped six shots where Price and fellow Welshmen Sion Bebb (Morlais Castle) and Brian Lee (Parc/Asbri Golf) returned 75. Jon Bevan (Sherborne) signed for 74.

Michael Watson (Wessex Golf Centre) battled through the worst of the conditions in the flagship West event supported by Golfbreaks. com to post 72 and later Richard Dinsdale (Asbri Golf) carded 73.

St Enodoc conquered everyone. Matt Cort (Beedles Lake) made two birdies and three bogeys in a creditable early 70. Winning PGA Cup captain Albert MacKenzie (Saunton) underlined his skill over links courses with a similar round late in the day.

Craig Shave (Whetstone), Dan Hendriksen (Torquay) and Nicky Maddison (Saunton) were delighted to card two-over 71.

James Hannam (Bath) achieved a superb level par 72 for the second lowest round at Trevose, one better than Greg Davies (South Cerney) while Adam Curtis (Bude), Adam Wootton (Oxford Golf Centre), Nick Haile (Minchinhampton) and LET player Maria Tulley (Piltdown), returning to Cornwall again, returned 74.

Just one false stroke could prove fatal. Dan Toogood (Weston-super-Mare) was heading for a low score when he took eight at the par four 14^th at Trevose, eventually signing for 75.

“It was blowing a hooly,” said regional manager Robert Moss. “The gusty winds were recorded at up to 43mph at St Enodoc and the weather only relented a little into the afternoon. We just have to wait for the sunny hot weather predicted for later in the week.”