GOLFING legend Neil Coles was the star turn at the Weybrook Park Pro-Am.

The 80-year-old, who represented Great Britain and Ireland eight times in the Ryder Cup, competed in his role as an ambassador for Benross.

A 10-over-par round of 82 was a little off the pace, with Hayling professional Mark Treleaven setting a new course record of 67 (-5) on his way to victory, but Coles certainly enjoyed the experience.

Club professional Steve Cox said: “Neil Coles had a great day. One of our members, Steven Knight won a draw to play with him and he loved the experience.

“Neil enjoyed the course. He said he struggled to get the pace of the greens with his chipping and putting but was very complimentary and said that the club was very welcoming.

“Watching him play, if he had been able to come to terms with the greens, he would have shot in the 70s. He’s still got it. His ball striking is still excellent and he’s always in control.”

Treleaven’s excellent round saw him win by four clear shots from Phillip Bryden (Alresford), who shot a one-under-par round of 71. Steve Richardson (Lee-on-the-Solent) and Richard Adams (South Winchester) were a further stroke back in a tie for third.

Treleaven did the double, also leading his team of Charlie Manning, Norman Ellis and Steve Christie to victory with a 15-under-par total of 129.

Cox’s team of Geraint Ingram, Adam Harris and Lee Simons were two shots back in second.

Third place was shared by two teams a further stroke behind. Danny Fisher (Basingstoke), Vic Grant, Paul Grant and Mark McDonald, were one of them, with Andrew Cloke (Weybrook Park), Ray Greatrex, Carl Vernon and Eugene Slevin the other.

Cox added: “It was a very good event.

“We were really pleased with the number of teams, the weather was superb and the course was in excellent condition.

“The professionals were very complimentary about the course. It was playing firm but fair, which probably suited the winner as he comes from a links course.”

A number of local professionals played in the event.

Tylney Park’s Ben Cummings shot 75 (+3), while Cloke fired a round of 77 (+5). Ali Briggs (Test Valley) and Cox both shot 80 (+8), while Fisher was three shots further back with 83 (+11).