MICHAEL Watson shot seven-under-par 63 as the lowest round recorded at Ashley Wood but the summer drought, which the contest was played on preferred lies, cost him an official course record.

Club professional, and joint record-holder, Paul Jones shot 64 in winning a Bournemouth Alliance meeting a few years ago at the course near Blandford.

Watson was out in a five-under-par 30 and made three further birdies coming home with one bogey on the 14th. It was the fifth win of another prolific season for the Wessex Golf Centre professional from Weymouth and his 12th top-10 finish in the last 15 outings.

Jones, this year’s PGA in England and Wales (South West) captain who boosted his captain’s charity by £700 in this Ringwood Brewery-sponsored Pro-Am, made six birdies. He was a relieved man after fog delayed the start.

Lee Thompson (Dudsbury) with six birdies and David Dixon (Enmore Park) with seven shared third on 66. The three players to share fifth one further shot back also finished in the top three in the team event.

Henry Pallas (Upavon), leading the host club’s ex-captain Dave Keig, Jon Elcock and David De La Haye, carded 90 points. They beat Paul Hendriksen (Ivybridge) with Ashley Wood’s club chairman Steve Pardey, general manager Callum Tulloch and Dave Purver on countback.

Third place was also decided on countback. Jon Bevan and his Sherborne team of Carl Broomfield, Adrian Broomfield and Ian Clothier carded 89 to pip trios led by Peter Rodgers (Barton-on-Sea) and Thompson.

PGA West (at Ashley Wood) - 63 Michael Watson (Wessex Golf Centre), £700, 65 Paul Jones (Ashley Wood) £500, 66 Lee Thompson (Dudsbury), David Dixon (Enmore Park), £337 each, 67 Jon Bevan (Sherborne) Henry Pallas (Upavon), Paul Hendriksen (Ivybridge) £201 each, 69 Sion Bebb (Morlais Castle) £160.