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PART-TIME Dudsbury touring professional Lee Thompson won the Waverley TBS West Region Championship at Woodbury Park in a play-off against fellow Dorset star Paul Jones (Canford Magna).

Thompson, who spends more time driving a Bournemouth taxi than he does playing golf, sent a nine-iron safely into the centre of the green for a certain three on the picturesque 18th feature hole at the Devon club.

Jones, 31, who had birdied the hole in regulation play to set the seven-under-par target of 137, was again tempted by the front pin cut close to the water. He hit the green but the ball spun back into the rushes guarding the hazard.

After two attempts to reach the putting surface he conceded. "That was the only shot I dropped all day and probably the best I've played this season," said Jones.

Thompson, aged 36, added his name to the famous trophy for the first time, joining previous illustrious winners like Peter Alliss and Gordon Brand jnr.

In his younger days Thompson spent thousands of pounds trying to break into Tour golf without much success.

"I have played less golf this year than for 15 years," he said. "What with my business and family I have become selective about where I travel as I no longer have any big ambitions in golf.

"Perhaps my new attitude played a part this week. I just treated it as a relaxing holiday and spent some time with my pal Stewwy (Stuart Little, the former European Tour player)," he added.

Thompson was four shots off the pace set by favourite Chris Gill (Exeter) and Jimmy Lee, whose commitments as club pro at Caerphilly have restricted his play drastically this year, after a first round three-under-par 69.

Jones was even a shot further back but clawed his way into contention with a second-day best 67, one better than Thompson.

Gill and Lee slipped back with 73s and were joined by 26-year-old Ben Welch who was playing in his first championship since becoming a registered assistant at Remedy Oak.

Welch's second 69 also brought a share of third spot.

7:11pm Thursday 21st August 2008

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