Harry’s first win at brutal St Mellion
14/07/2017
Torbay Golf Centre assistant Harry Mayers achieved his greatest feat since turning professional by combatting almost impossible conditions at St Mellion to win his first regional pro-am and £750.
He was obliged to share the spoils with seasoned winner Paul Hendriksen (Ivybridge) who matched his one-under-par 71 over arguably the West’s toughest track in the shotgun-start event.
"It is amazing any player broke par. The horrible wet weather all day left us like drowned rats,” said Mayers, 21 who is now in his third year of training with Neil Holman and who made just 27 putts.
“I played very steadily and swung within myself with the aim just to get the ball down the middle. St Mellion is not a course to be off line.
“I have been playing well and knew there was a good round in there. Let’s just hope my first win will be the start of more success.”
Mayers made birdies at the fifth, 13th, 17th and 18th. A double bogey at the ninth followed by a bogey at the tenth were the only blemishes to the best round he has ever played.
Hendriksen, who is used to all conditions, played steadily without any disasters. Dropped shots at ten and 13 were boosted by gains at the third, seventh and 16th.
Former St Mellion pro Adam Frayne (Yelverton) and ex-Devon county star Billy Hemstock (Beaverbrook) shared third three shots behind on 74.
James Ruth (China Fleet) and Michael Watson (Wessex Golf Centre) were a further shot back. Ruth recovered from taking eight at the second while Watson carded six bogeys.
The amateurs also found it a slog. Richard Dinsdale (Asbri Golf) and his team won on nine-under-par 81 followed by four shots behind by Jon Bevan (Sherborne) with Ross Whitelock (St Mellon) two shots further back.
