WEYMOUTH golfer Michael Watson shared third with David Dixon with both on 65 at Minchinhampton.

Watson carded seven birdies but shed a shot at the 16th hole.

Ashley Mansell and James Ruth shared top spot to win £900 each with returns of seven-under-par 64 over the fast-running old course, which golfers share with cattle where more than half the field of 47 broke par in the first West Pro-Am of the season.

There was also a first-time winner in the women’s event as St Austell assistant Eugenie Knight carded four-over-par 75. It was Knight’s first success as a professional.

There were more eagles and birdies than bogeys.

Mansell was out in six under 31 with an eagle two at the sixth and four birdies. He picked up two further shots until his only blemish on the last which cost an outright victory.

Ruth was out in 33 and made a total of nine birdies, marred by dropped shots at the ninth and 13th.

Dixon started brilliantly and an eagle at the sixth took him to six under par but surprisingly he followed with 12 pars.

Toby Hunt (St Mellons) with an eagle at the first, followed by five birdies led a Welsh trio in fifth.