Hibbitt, Sherborne share spoils at Edge

Home professional Rod Hibbitt and former European Tour man Andrew Sherborne went close to equalling the Cotswold Edge course record as they shared first place in the club's pro-am.

Hibbitt, who was first out, was three-under-par on the front nine after collecting shots at the third, fourth and sixth.

He continued his flawless round with further birdies at the 10th and last hole for a five-under 66.

He said: "It could have been a lot better – I missed several good chances to improve my card.

"I was pretty happy as I hardly play these days because of my club commitments."

Sherborne, who is biding his time before considering a move to the Seniors' Tour, has not enjoyed a happy season. His ball-striking left much to be desired as he sprayed the ball around the course and his first win of the year looked highly improbable.

He dropped two shots at the second and another at the fifth, but a birdie at the fourth and an eagle at the ninth took him out in level par.

He roared home in five-under-par 30 with birdies at 11, 12 followed by three in succession from the 16th.

Sherbourne, who won twice in Spain and was noted as one of the best putters on the Tour, said: "I was all over the place but I regained my putting touch.

"This was the first time I've felt happy with my putter for a long time."

The record is still held by James Taylor (Weston-super-Mare), who has now virtually retired from playing, who shot 65 in 1995.

The 31 teams braved some heavy showers and a stiff wind in the afternoon. Seniors Tour player George Ryall brought home the winning team.

scores, Cotswold Edge, par 71: 66 -5 Rod Hibbitt (Cotswold Edge), Andrew Sherborne (Kendleshire) £514; 67 Chris Gill (Exeter) £363; 68 Michael Watson (Wessex Golf Centre), Martin Stimson (Ashburnham), Tony Pitts (St Austell) £242; 69 George Ryall (Players Club) £181; 70 Russell Berry (Cleeve Hill), Chris Murphy (Raglan Parc), James Lee (Caerphilly), David Hutton (Hamptworth) £117; 71 Barry Austin (Downes Crediton), Jon Bevan (Wessex Golf Centre), Graham Howell (Ferndown Forest), Richard O'Hanlon (Lanhydrock).

Team: 127 -15 Waverley TBS - George Ryall (Players Club £149), Martin Breading, Mark McGregory, Nigel Potts; 128 -14 Michael Watson (Wessex Golf Centre, £111), Ian McKay, Jim Weaver, Richard Clutterbuck, on countback from Richard O'Hanlon (Lanhydrock, £111), Pat Casey, Stuart Craddock, Graham Warren.