THE third round of the South West of England Open Winter Foursomes competition was played at Yelverton Golf Club on December 4. Despite the snow and cold weather, and heavy rain in the preceding two weeks, the course was in remarkably good condition, with the greens running quite quickly for the time of year. One professional went out, Barry Evans from Looe, beaten by the home team pair of Karl Eastwood and Garry Hawking 5 and 4, who were only three over gross after 14 holes. This leaves five professionals in the competition to fight for the £1,000 prize. The last two ladies in the competition also went out, Jane Stribley and Jane Wright (Staddon). They were unfortunate to come up against an inspired performance from the Tavistock pairing of Dave Burge and Mike Beveridge, who won 6 and 4. Three players with the name Ruth went through, Jonathan Ruth with Lester Barnes beat the Osbornes from Teignmouth 4 and 3; and father and son team Martin and David Ruth also won, beating Warren GC Secretary Tim Aggett and Tom Acres 3 and 2. Two matches went past 18 holes; Neil Holman and Roger Francis needed 21 holes to beat N Weight and S Greatbatch from Launceston; and J Statham and G Pasmore needed to go to the 19th to beat Chris Ryder and Tom Holman (Wrangaton). The competition now has a six week break and play will resume on Sunday January 15, when the Plate qualifying round will also be held. Full details are on the club website.
