Ryall rises to the top
08/07/2016
Former European Seniors Tour winner George Ryall struck a blow for experienced players by beating the elite of the West to win the Bovey Castle pro-am in style.
The 57-year-old veteran, now representing Burnham and Berrow, shot four-under-par 66 over the impressive hotel course in an event blessed with morning sunshine, late clouds and only light winds.
The tight course suited his accuracy off the tee and his only blemish came at the second hole. His only bogey was followed by a two and he picked up further shots on the 10th, 14th, 15th and 17th.
Youngster Tom Hanson, the Tiverton amateur who signed as a PGA pro last year, picked up his biggest cheque for an impressive 67 which included eight threes. The first two brought birdies on the opening holes, two followed on 14 and 15 until his only bogey on the 17th.
He said: “It was an awesome course at a cracking venue with a brilliant set up.”
Kevin Harper (East Devon), who has previously won a Europro event over the course, was one of a heavyweight quartet who followed in third on 69. Adam Frayne (Yelverton), Scott Drummond and Richard O'Hanlon (St Kew) each suffered one double bogey.
Daniel Toogood (Weston-super-Mare) was seventh on 70 with another young player Grant Slater (Trevose) a further shot behind in eighth.
Tournament controller Bob Martin said: “This was a top-class event and numbers were up on last year. Once the word gets round about the excellent service provided for both pros and amateurs there will certainly be even more teams entering next year.”
Frayne’s trio of David Kingsman, Darren Thorpe and John Fairman took top prize on 81 points. Ryall added to his winnings with the help of Hugh Wilson, Ian Dibble and Andy Millington They were second on countback.
Drummond’s team of Mark Boulting, Michael Knight and Mark Lashbrook were third on 78, beating the teams of Nick Williams (St Enodoc), Tom Hanson and Paul Hendriksen (Ivybridge) on countback.
