THE first round of the annual South West of England Open Winter Foursomes has just been held at Yelverton Golf Club — there were 103 entries for the competition that finishes in February next year.
Top amateur golfers and club professionals from throughout the South West of England compete for prize money of £400 and £1,000 respectively.
The club professionals did not have it all their own way and many local players featured in the first round, that was played over two weekends.
One of the more notable successes was from Tony Rushbrooke, the treasurer at Yelverton Golf Club, and his partner Ian Cuthbert, who beat China Fleet's professional Bobby Moore and his partner Dave O'Sullivan 2 and 1.
The father and son partnership of Ian and Mark Northey, also from Yelverton, also did well to beat the Walters brothers from Churston 3 and 2.
Jon Thurston, the Devon Junior team captain, and Nathan O'Sullivan, previously assistant greenkeeper at Yelverton, lost to the Tavistock GC pair of Simon Gilder and George Gawman 6 and 4.
Laura Eastwood continued her good form, assisted by Matt Clay, they defeated a team from Elfordleigh 7 and 6, the largest margin of the round.
The second round will be played this Sunday October 29, when the Moon brothers will defend the title they won this February. Yelverton's professional, Tom McSherry, will enter the fray after receiving a bye, but will have his work cut out to beat Kerry Gawman and Nicky Coombstock from Tavistock who will receive 20 shots under the handicap system that gives ladies 2 extra shots each, prior to the 3/8s adjustment for foursomes competition.