Watson defends his Weymouth Pro-Am Crown

It was a case of history repeating itself for Michael Watson as he claimed victory at the Weymouth Pro-Am, 12 months on from last year’s triumph.

It was the Wessex Golf Centre player’s tenth win of the season, but he has had to wait for just over three weeks to record another win after finishing top on nine occasions in July.

He shot four-under 66 at his former club to lead Dudsbury’s Mark Wiggett by three shots although success seemed unlikely after an indifferent start. He was one over until he birdied the seventh hole. But further birdies at the tenth, 11th, 13th and 17th brought a back nine of 31.

Former European Tour winner Gary Emerson (Playgolf Bournemouth) appeared to be the favourite as he reached the 12th tee in three-under-par after making four birdies in the opening six holes.

But the 428-yard hole brought his downfall. He hit three drives out of bounds before his fourth found the fairway. He eventually signed for 12. But he battled on and recovered with two further birdies to share 11th.

The steady Wiggett made four birdies but Paul Jones (Canford Magna) marred his five-birdie round with two double bogeys to share third with Gareth Bennett (Brynhill) and David Dixon (Enmore Park) who made five birdies each in 70s.

Nicky Maddison (Saunton) led the winning team of Pat Crane, Stuart Crane and Simon Etherington on 17-under-par 123. Home pro Des Lochrie and Tom Robson, Luke Shaw and John Nortover followed on 125 with Bath trainee James Hannam heading Matt Mason, Alan Rose and Rodney Bennett one further shot back in third.