West Country pair reign in Spain

Paul Hendriksen and James Ruth overcame blustery conditions to blow the field away at Lumine Mediterránea Beach & Golf Club on Spain’s Costa Daurada to win The PGAs of Europe Fourball Championship.

The pair of PGA Professionals began the third and final round four shots adrift of tournament leaders, Spanish duo Sixto Casabona Navarro and Carlos García Simarro.

However, despite having to combat gusts of wind approaching 30 miles and hour, the pair negotiated the Lakes Course at the Spanish resort in seven-under-par (64) to post an overall return of 17-under (197) and claim the €6,150 first prize.

Commenting on the windy weather, Hendriksen, who is attached to Plymouth Golf Centre, Devon, said: “They were such difficult conditions out there today.

“So we were just pleased to be able to come in with a good score and sit in the clubhouse and let the rest of them try and battle it out, so we’re really pleased.”

Ruth, who is attached to China Fleet in neighbouring Cornwall, added: “We knew we were going to have to play well today to catch the leaders, and that the wind would be a good thing as if we could shoot a low score then it was going to be tough for everybody to get past it.

“I play a lot of golf with Paul…and we know each other really well, so that helps a lot…plus we were both in play on pretty much every hole so it was good to not put pressure on either one and that was key really.”