James Ruth flew the flag for his region by winning the PGA Open Series South West Open and in doing so made up for a disappointing end to last year’s event.
Ruth missed out on victory at The Bristol Golf Club 12 months ago when, having finished level with Nico Els, he lost the play-off to determine the winner.
No winner takes all showdown was needed this time round, however, after Ruth completed two negotiations of the Brinsea course at Mendip Spring Golf Club in six-under par.
That left him two shots clear of his fellow PGA South West member Toby Hunt and three ahead of South region pair, Els and Harry Casey.
Ruth had begun the second round of the rain-ravaged tournament level with Hunt on two-under but established a two-shot advantage over his rival by the turn thanks to birdies at the third and fifth holes.
Hunt, who negotiated the front nine in level par, turned up the heat on the way home.
Having found the green with his drive on the 296-yard par four 15th, the head pro at St Mellons Golf Club was inches away from an eagle and left with a tap-in for a birdie.
He followed up with a birdie at the par-five 16th, but Ruth proved equal to the challenge. He responded with birdies at the 12th and 15th holes and atoned for his solitary bogey of the tournament at 17 with a birdie at the 18th.
Reflecting on his performance in challenging conditions, he said: “It was frustrating to lose the play-off last year but I’m playing pretty well and came into this feeling confident. I played really nicely for two days.
“I think I got lucky with the weather – others had to cope with a lot more rain than I did. But the course was very wet and the weather has been pretty awful over the past few days.
“It’s a good start and I’m looking forward to the season ahead.”
In addition to winning £3,200 in prize money, Ruth’s victory means he begins the new season in the manner he ended its predecessor – at the top of his region’s Order of Merit.
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