Ruebotham triumphs at Bishop’s Stortford

James Ruebotham (Welwyn Garden City) recorded a deserved one-shot success at the Bishop’s Stortford Pro-Am.

Ruebotham, 33, has been one of the ‘form’ players so far this season in the East region, finishing in the top-four in each of his previous three starts.

And he delivered his first triumph of 2016 with a fearless five-under-par 66. His stellar round included five birdies and an eagle at the driveable par-4 14th– his fifth hole. On his inward nine he made gains at four out of five holes from the 3rd.

Ray Russell (Centurion) was looking to follow up his victory in the previous week’s Muswell Hill Pro-Am. The former European Tour ace got to four-under with three to play but wasn’t able to squeeze out a further birdie and had to settle for second spot.

Chase Davis (Marriott Sprowston Manor) found two excellent late birdies at  tough par-4s, 16 and 18, to secure a share of third spot alongside Ian Campbell (Cheshunt Park) – both men firing three-under 68s.

There were more than 50 teams in the pro-am and, victorious on countback, was the quartet led by Steve Cipa (South Essex Golf Centre). They notched a 125 total and pipped Jason Levermore’s team.