STINCHOMBE Hill’s annual pro-am may have been delayed for half-an-hour while early-morning fog and mist cleared, but that did not deter Matt Griffiths who smashed the course record.

The Oakdale club professional blistered his way round the Gloucestershire course in seven-under-par 61 to win by two shots from Stuart Little (Minchinhampton) and Guiseppe Licata (Hambrook).

The most successful Welshman on the West Region circuit this year bettered the mark set two years ago in the same event by Ian Brown (Newent) who was in a seven-way tie for seventh this year on 66.

Griffiths was out in two-under-par 32 after birdies at the fifth and ninth. Ultimately he owed his success to a spectacular eagle on the 476-yard downhill final hole following birdies at 12, 14 and 16 for an inward half of 30.

A strong field of professionals took part, including former tour players Andrew Sherbourne and Stuart Little, and British Open Qualifier Jon Bevan.

Coming out on top in the team event with a score of 119-17 under par, was Simple Human.

Promising Stinchcombe junior scratch player Mark Pitcher featured in the winning team, along with Nick Pitcher and Andy Smith. They were led by Sean Mason (Teign Valley), last year’s West Region order of merit winner.

Second place, two shots behind, went to the Attwooll ‘A’ team, comprising professional Mike Watson and three of Stinchcombe’s younger players, Chris Attwooll, Matt Jaguki and Mike Attwooll-Smart.

Stinchcombe Hill, par 68: 61 Matthew Griffiths (Oakdale) new course record £750; 63 Stuart Little (Minchinhampton), Guiseppe Licata (Hambrook) £533; 64 Jon Bevan (Wessex Golf Centre) £355; 65 Paul Jones (Canford Magna), Chris Gill (Exeter) £296; 66 David Haines (Brean), Andrew Sherborne (Kendleshire), Edward Goodwin (Cirencester), Ian Brown (Newent), Sean Mason (Teign Valley),Trevor Jones (Hambrook Golf Range) £157.

Team: 119 (-17) Sean Mason, £201), Nick Pitcher, Mark Pitcher, Andy Smith; 121 Attwooll - Michael Watson (Wessex, £167), Chris Attwooll, Matt Jagucki, Mike Attwooll-Smart; 122 Mark Wiggett (Dudsbury, £134), Geoff Davies, Brian Davies, Robert Gay.