Coaching pays off as Edwards lifts Putter.

Byline: Chris Smart

WHITCHURCH star Nigel Edwards retained golf's Duncan Putter at Southern down with a stylish display which left his rivals trailing in the distance.

The 39-year-old Walker Cup veteran lifted the Putter for the fourth time this decade in the most convincing of fashions. And immediately after his success Edwards paid tribute to recently-appointed Welsh coach Neil Matthews.

"He really is fantastic, very professional and organised," said Edwards, before adding: "He has worked wonders for my putting, getting me to change my address."

And it was Edwards' putting that really did the trick at the weekend.

He three-putted only once during the two days and required just 28 putts in a brilliant third round of 66.

A 72-hole aggregate of 280 - level par - gave the maestro a seven stroke victory over Teignmouth's Billy Hemstock, with Truro-based Welsh international Ben Enoch a further stroke adrift in third spot.

Rounds of 70, 74 66 and 70 showed Edwards' consistency and demonstrated why he is dominating Welsh amateur golf these days. He started off the season by reaching the final of the South African Amateur Championship and helping the Welsh side win the team honours.

Wildcard Rhys Pugh, at 14 the youngest player in the field, finished in joint eighth place on 292 after rounds of 72, 74, 71 and 75.

The Pontypridd High School pupil, who plays at the Vale of Glamorgan and was second to Enoch in the under-21 category, is targeting the European Boys' team championship this year.

SAHRA Hassan followed up her success in the Glamorgan championship by finishing runner-up in the prestigious Tenby scratch Open tournament.

The Vale of Glamorgan course record holder posted rounds of 73 and 77 for a 150 aggregate, six strokes behind Curtis Cup star Breanne Loucks.

Rhondda teenager Natasha Gobey, a three-handicapper, won the morning's best net prize with a 73.

RADYR brothers Chris and Brent O'Neill both appear in the Glamorgan line-up for their opening Channel League match of the season against Wiltshire at Cumberwell Park on Sunday.

They have shown up well in order of merit events in the past couple of years and cut their teeth on the Channel League circuit with distinction last summer. Vale of Glamorgan provides two members of the team in Luke Thomas and Greg Williams, while Royal Porthcawl's Jonathan Bale is also included.

Glamorgan, buoyed by their pre-season victory over Brecon and Radnor at Creigiau, go into the match in good heart and captain Richard Evans is looking forward to a successful campaign.

"Last season we were in the hunt until the final match and if our best squad is available for most of our matches this summer then we could do really well," said Evans.

Glamorgan team: J Bale (Royal Porthcawl), J Frazer (Pennard), R Evans (Langland Bay, captain), R Hooper (Neath), J Holmes (Southerndown), C O'Neill, B O'Neill (both Radyr), L Thomas (Vale of Glam), N James (Wenvoe Castle), G Williams (VoG).