Watson's winning streak continues

Wessex Golf Centre’s Michael Watson may have taken some time to regain last season’s form, but his latest feat was shattering his own course record in running away with the Taunton and Pickeridge Pro-Am in the Somerset sunshine.

His seven-under-par 62 bettered his previous mark by one. In 2011 his winning margin was seven. This time it was only two as Russ Berry (RB Driving Range, Coleford), another player regaining his best form, pressed him hard.

Berry birdied four of the six opening holes, added three more at the 12th, 13th and 15th to stand at seven-under before he shed shots at the 16th and 18th.

The majestic Watson made seven birdies and eagled the 13th, but dropped shots at the eighth and 15th. He made two twos, five threes and navigated the three par fives in four-under-par. It was his third win in four outings in six days as he also topped the list at Carlyon Bay and Cotswold Edge.

Charlie Cossins from Bath, now a Cumberwell Park touring player, gained his best finish since committing himself to regional tournaments this season.

The former Somerset county amateur carded 66 to share third alongside Liam Bond (Marriott St Pierre) in the club’s 22nd annual pro-am sponsored by Thompson Time Critical Couriers.

Consistent Cossins made four birdies and gave away his only shot at the par five ninth. Bond eagled the third, birdied the fifth, eighth and 13th and also faltered with a six at the ninth.

Richard Dinsdale (Parc) led the Vale Labels team of John Riches, Neil Grout and Martin Adams on 124 (-14)  who won the team award on countback from Iain Ferrie (West Wilts) and the club champions team of James Sinclair, Fiona Beattie and Tom Sloman. Bond helped the Total Triumph Taunton trio of Oake Manor players Neil Mossman, Jon Ball and Lee Ayres into third on 125.