Ruth tames St Mellion

James Ruth (above) was the only player to shoot under par in the club’s 40th anniversary pro-am as St Mellion staked a further claim as the toughest golf course in the West.

It was probably no surprise that late starter Ruth, now an assistant at China Fleet, managed to beat his close pal Paul Hendriksen (Ivybridge) by two shots. He was attached to St Mellion during his days as a touring pro and appreciates the dangers of the Nicklaus course that Jack built.

His one-under-par 71 was worth more than £1,000 as the prize fund was boosted by sponsorship from Steve Bristow Stone Masonry Ltd from Newton Abbot.

He only used his driver twice as he plotted his way round avoiding the thick rough. He said: “I have had plenty of experience and played a lot with Paul there. It is in great shape and is a track that never gives you anything and you have to manage your way round carefully.”

His round was shaped over the front nine he negotiated in three-under 33 with birdies at the fourth, seventh and eighth. It was more demanding coming home with three birdies and a solitary birdie at the 11th.

Hendriksen also played with caution and made birdies at the fifth and 18th and dropped three shots. Michael Watson (Wessex Golf Centre) is coming into form and made five birdies to finish third on 74.

He led the winning St Mellion club team of Mark Cottingham, Duane Cottingham and Neil Hiscock on 79.  Nick Williams piloted a St Enodoc team of Mark Jarvis, John Paul and Norman Evans into second on 77.

Sponsor Steve Bristow helped his own team of Adrian Metters and Paul McGlinchy headed by Dawlish Warren pro Duncan Arnold into third place. They totalled 76, winning on countback from Chris Gill (Newquay) and Christian Vine (Woodbury Park).

David Moon, the St Mellion director of golf, assisted tournament controller Tom Sheffield with the presentation. He said that it was appropriate to include a pro-am in the 40th anniversary celebrations as the club will always be associated with the European Tour. The club have hosted six Benson and Hedges Championships and the PGA Cup in 1978.