South West Round-up: Ashley wins at first attempt

Ashley Mansell celebrated his first appearance on the PGA in England and Wales (South West) circuit by winning the opening leg of the Titleist-FootJoy Assistants’ Sprint at Weston.

“It was a great start to my season,” the 24-year-old told the North Somerset Times. “This was the best I’ve played for a few years. I was solid tee to green in tough windy conditions that were reflected in some of the other scores.”

The former Somerset county amateur, who spent a year on the Europro Tour before starting his PGA career, shot 69, the only sub-par round of the day.
‘This was the best I’ve played for a few years.’ Rest of the World team beats Cornwall

Cornwall’s golfers took on their counterparts from the Rest of the World in a special match at Mullion.

In a closely-fought clash, the ‘invaders’ triumphed with a score of 4-3 to retain the title.

Luke Donald plays at North Cornwall courses

Former world number one Luke Donald took time out his schedule to visit the St Enodoc Junior Academy.

Club professional Mark Arrowsmith, who is also the juniors’ head coach, had warned his pupils they were to expect a surprise visitor and to bring suitable items for signature.

Donald was in Cornwall for his brother’s stag weekend and played a round with friends on the Church Course, which he described on Twitter as “a gem of a links course down in the South West”.

Speaking to the Cornish Guardian, club secretary Tuck Clagett aid: “He said he had really enjoyed his round in the lovely weather. Somebody said he had shot 67, but how true that is I really don’t know.”

The previous day, Donald had also played a round with a group of friends on the Championship course at Trevose.

High-tech buggies at the Manor House

The Manor House in Castle Combe, Wiltshire, has equipped a number of its buggies with on-board iPads, which will provide GPS positioning to guide players around the 18-hole course.

From May, buggies will also be allowed on the fairway for the first time.

Tankard victory for Andrews at Mendip

Matt Andrews won Division One of the March Tankard at Mendip with a score of 41 points, two clear of his closest rival.

Recently-retired club secretary Jim Scott collected the Division Two trophy, while Division Three was won by Chris Huzal.

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