Jones defied wind at Filton

Bath assistant Ross Jones continued his steady early form by winning the Titleist-Footjoy Young Professionals League outing at Filton with a level par round of 70.

It was a difficult day for scoring, despite the sunny weather for the wind and the firm, slick but very true greens proved a headache for most of the field.

Jones, who put up a strong defence of his Total Triumph Classic title at Oake Manor and followed with another good showing in the Bournemouth Fourball, did not find it easy.

He made an eagle at the par five fifth but was one over the card after his third bogey at the 11th. Two birdies at 14 and 15 followed by a dropped shot at the tough 17th completed his two-shot triumph.

Ross Langdon, who has moved to South Cerney from Henbury, shared second with relative newcomer Alex Bain who has switched from Forest of Dean to The Bristol.

Langdon expected better after picking up three birdies in the first five holes. Bain also made a sharp start picking up shots at the second and fifth. But Langdon went on to make five bogeys and Bain four.

Giuseppe Licata (Bristol Golf Centre), who played all his early golf at Filton, was also unable to master the conditions yet finished fourth on 73 with four birdies – three on the opening four holes – and seven bogeys.

New Newport Assistant Joe Vickery and Roy Baker (Brean) were a further shot back in fifth.

Bain also won the betterball on 41 points with 15-handicapper Will Tunnicliffe on countback from Vickery and Paul Molton, who plays off three.  Rhys Davies (Cardiff) and Phil Barber off four) were a shot behind and took third on countback.