Charnley rolls back the years

Tony Charnley made all his experience count to win the Dunstable Downs Pro-Am with a four-under-par 66 that included five birdies.

Charnley, born on Christmas Day in 1954, turned professional in 1974 and has played both on the European Tour and European Senior Tour.

He beat James Scade of Little Channels, who had a round of three-under-par with two dropped shots.

Host professional Darren Charlton and Mark Stokes of Rayleigh Golf Range were joint third both including four birdies in a round of one-under-par 69.

Ian Mitchell of Bury Golf Range, winner of this event in 2012, had the only eagle of the day at the 498-yard par five first hole. He was one of four players on level par. The others were Phil Abbott (John O’Gaunt), Mark Baker (Colchester) and Ian Ellis (Costessey Park).

Matt Stables, head professional at North Weald Golf Club, brought home the winning team with a score of 16-under-par 124. His amateurs were Dave Curran, Steve Mason and Alan Sweeney. The team with Stokes was second on countback from a team with Glen Kemble. They were 12-under-par.