Mynott’s decisive birdie blitz

James Mynott (St Ives) conjured up a magical spell of scoring at Bentley to secure his first pro-am victory since 2015.

Mynott, 30, grafted hard on the front nine without any sparks flying at the Essex venue.

But a birdie two at the short 12th hole lit the touch paper for a scoring spree that ultimately proved decisive.

He picked up another stroke at the next and then holed a monster putt – the best part of 60 feet – for another birdie on 14.

Mynott said: “I made a really long putt from right at the front of the green. It was perfect and just dropped in.

“Then I hit my best drive of the day at the 15th to just short of the green before pitching from 30 yards to an inch.

“At the 16th I thought I’d hit it too far right but the ball was in the middle of the fairway and I had a wedge which went to 12 feet.

“It was a difficult putt and I had to aim two feet outside the hole but it just dropped in.”

Mynott could even afford a dropped shot at the last as he finished with a five-under-par 67 to win by a stroke from Steve Cipa (South Essex Golf Centre).

He added: “I don’t think I’ve had five birdies on the trot in a competition before.

“I’m pleased to win again after my first one at Rayleigh. I had a couple of second places last year at West Essex and Ely so to have finally won again feels good. It just gives you that bit of confidence, knowing you can do it.”