Ruth cashes in at Parkstone

James Ruth (China Fleet) leads the West money list after a magnificent start in the 42-team pro-am at Parkstone where he clinched his sixth win in a brilliant season.

He knew he was in for a good score after making six birdies over the first eleven holes. His only setback was a bogey at the 12^th but six pars brought a five-under return of 66 as he stayed one shot clear of Danny Lee (Rushmore) and Christian Vine (Woodbury Park).

Home professional James Baldwin produced his best round for a while to share fourth with the irrepressible Adam Frayne (Yelverton) who is in dominant form on 68.

Paul Jones (Ashley Wood), Graham Howell (Ferndown Forest), Russ Berry (Pro Golf Europe), Mark Searle (High Post), Roger Tuddenham (Hedge End) and Richard Dinsdale (Asbri Golf) shared sixth on 69.

After winning the Sprint Assistants League at Cumberwell Park, Ruth also finished top at Minchinhampton, Carlyon Bay and Okehampton and won the Fourball Championship at Teign Valley with Paul Hendriksen (Ivybridge).

Lee had a wonderful chance of recording his first West win as he stood on the 17th tee on six-under-par after making seven birdies and dropping just one shot at the 14th.  But he made six at the par-five 17^th and a four at the final par three.

Vine made his seventh birdie at the 17^th to rise to five-under but he, too, shed a shot at the last with the winning post in sight.

Dan Carter (Upavon) led the winning team on 128 while Ruth added to his earnings by piloting the second-placed trio on 130 with Frayne’s team beating Baldwin’s group on countback one stroke behind.