Hamptworth club professional Andy Beal did most of the organising as his club hosted a West Region PGA order of merit event for the first time - and he came close to winning it.

He said after carding 68 and 69 for a seven-under-par total of 137: "I left a lot of shots out there and felt I had a real chance at one stage.

"It was most annoying to miss so many putts from six feet or less in the second round as I was striking the ball really well. With everything going on around me it was a pleasant surprise to play half-decent golf as well."

But the former European Tour player and Wiltshire county coach was delighted with the event in which he shared fourth place with West Wilts Iain Ferrie, two behind winner Devon's Sean Mason (Teign Valley).

Mason, 26, beat Cornwall's leading player Richard Sadler at the second hole of a play-off at the only Wiltshire course in the New Forest. He also claimed the West Region order of merit title in style.

He said: "I thoroughly enjoyed my first visit to Hamptworth as it is a delightful course in an idyllic setting in tip-top condition."

For full story see Tuesday's golf pages.