Red letter day for Joe

Joe Ellis (Thorpe Hall Golf Club) claimed a first victory in the PGA in England (East) region by taking top spot in the Hendon Pro-Am.

Ellis, a third-year PGA Assistant, shot a one-under-par round of 69 to pip Glynn Harris (Mill Hill) by a shot.

The 23-year-old traded birdies and bogies on the opening nine, turning ahead of the card at one-under. But a dropped shot at the 10th followed by a double bogey at a par-five two holes later appeared to have scuppered his chance.

Ellis, however, showed commendable spirit to bounce back with a two at the short 13th. With the wind in his sails once again, he returned to level par for the day by picking up a further stroke at the 15th.

Only a birdie at the closing 442-yard 18th would do for victory but Ellis rose to the challenge to make a three and close out a memorable success.

The highlight of a good day for Harris was an eagle two at the 344-yard seventh hole. There was a six-way tie for third spot with James Scade (Little Channels Driving Range), Ben Kerr (Bourn Golf & Leisure), Paul Hetherington (Great Hadham), James Taverner (Hendon), Neil Mitchell (Ipswich Golf Centre) and Ian Ellis (Great Yarmouth and Caister) all shooting one-over-par 71s.

Taverner led the winning team in the pro-am with a score of 129 – one clear of the quarter led by Matt Cort (Beedles Lake).