Freeman’s debut joy

Rookie Christopher Freeman took the spoils at his first ever pro-am event, the Menzies Welcombe Pro-Am in Stratford.

The Henley Golf & Country Club golfer’s two-under-par 68 gave him a one-shot victory, and with it a cheque for more than £600.                                                                                    

Freeman made an excellent start from the 10th as he reached the turn at three-under-par, the birdies coming at the 11th, the 509-yard par five 16th and 17th.

And it got even better when he landed an eagle at the 470-yard par five opener although he had to survive a late stutter, dropping three shots over his final three holes.

Four players tied for second including Paul Streeter (Lincoln Golf Centre) who was also three-under at the turn only to finish at one-under for the event. His 69 total was matched by Kevin Taylor (Brailsford GC), Paul Bradshaw (Gainsborough GC) and former European Tour favourite Paul Broadhurst.