Ruthless James at St Enodoc

James Ruth issued another warning to West Country players that he is going to be the man to watch again this year by claiming the Cornwall Professional Golfers Alliance Championship at St Enodoc.

And, for good measure, on the eve of his 31st birthday, the China Fleet assistant linked up with amateur clubmate John Sanders to win the pairs title with 62 points and collect the Brian Gripe trophy which commemorates the memory of one of the outstanding Alliance officials.

Josh Hancock (Newquay) and Gary Lenaghan (Trevose) pressed Ruth hard and were one point behind with Adam Curtis (Bude), Russell Binney (St Austell) and Andy Welch (Whitsand Bay) on 31.

Tristan Gurd (Falmouth) won the amateur championship with 32 points, two better than Joe Cruse (St Enodoc), Simon Schofield (Trethorne) and Nigel Connolley (Bowood).   

The 84 players were forced to wait as the start was delayed because of frosted greens and scoring proved difficult in the conditions. Nick Williams, the St Enodoc professional, presented the prizes.