Searle makes his mark

Mark Searle laid the foundations for his first win in the West with a cracking mistake-free front nine of four-under-par 31 in one of the longest running and most successful pro-ams in the region at Taunton and Pickeridge.

Ten minutes after signing his card the 34-year-old Wiltshireman from High Post was joined at the top by Paul Hendriksen (Ivybridge), an old adversary from their amateur county days. In 2005 Searle beat Hendriksen into second spot in claiming the South West Counties title by four shots at Saunton.

Tennessee University-educated Searle, who joined the PGA after a modest career as a touring player, won £869, his biggest cheque.

He followed his four-birdie opening with bogeys at the tenth and 11th. But further gains at the 13th and 16th restored his momentum on a breezy, overcast day.

Reigning Titleist & FootJoy PGA Professional champion Hendriksen made five birdies and an eagle three at the ninth to also be out in 31. He also dropped two successive shots at the 11th and 12th before matching Searle’s birdies at the 13th and 16th.

Although he has shown great consistency again this year it was his first win since he took the Total Triumph title at nearby Oake Manor in May.

Richard O'Hanlon (St Kew), another late starter and prolific winner, claimed third one shot behind, making five birdies and three bogeys.

Ashley Mansell (Clevedon) and James Ruth (China Fleet) were early leaders on one-under-par.

 Later they were joined by multiple European Tour winner John Bickerton (Minehead & West Somerset) and Senior Tour winner George Ryall (Burnham & Berrow). Ross Langdon (Brickhampton Court) and Matt Dearden (Cardiff) shared eighth on level par.

Adam Frayne (Yelverton) led the Pure Protection Ltd team of Nick Walmsley, Keith Sandow and Paul Coates into first place on 15-under-par 123. Dan Carter (Upavon) and SHAGS members David Potter, Ian Sutcliffe and Glyn Webber were second on 127 while the Coomber Fire & Security trio Chris Pitman, Jason Brock and Kelvin Oxley, headed by Ryall, were a shot back in third, beating Paul Jones (Ashley Wood) on countback.

The day was sponsored by Gibbs Plumbing Supplies Ltd and funds were raised the Children’s Hospice South West. Barrie Foster and Phil Barrett, who won a prize as a member of Richard Dinsdale’s team, have been running the pro-am for 25 consecutive years.  This year’s entry of 49 teams was a record.