DUDSBURY'S Mark Wiggett smashed the course record with a stunning ten-under-par 61 in the Pro-am at Minchin-hampton common.

His round was three strokes lower than the previous mark set by Martyn Thompson (Parkstone) and Welshman Sion Bebb in the 1997 Pro-am.

It was also SEVEN shots better than his nearest rivals. His round was all the more remarkable as the weather was vile. But he mastered the wet and windy conditions as one of the late starters with faultless golf.

His 9-iron second shot on the par-four fifth hole disappeared into the hole for an eagle. He was out in six-under-par 30 and back in 31 with eight birdies and no dropped shots to earn £700.

He said: "This was the best I've ever played and I thought I needed to sharpen up my chipping and putting, but now I'm not so sure. I really hit everything very close."

Nottingham's Laura Wright won the women's event with 73, one better than customary winner Broadstone's Tracy Loveys.

Former Minchinhampton assistant Paul Morss, now teaching pro at Cumberwell Park, made his annual visit home. He shot level par 71 and helped the Gardiners team finish third on countback in the team event.

He was assisted by major sponsor Rob Gardiner, George Kilmister and club secretary Alan Dangerfield, brother of club pro Peter.

There was disappointment for home members who were hoping to see Stuart Little play on his home course. But the big left-hander sent his apologies after receiving a last-minute call to play in the Italian Open.

It was a good break for he was an early leader, made the cut, but slipped back at the weekend and only finished in a tie for 63rd, earning £1,800.

Minchinhampton, old course, par 71

61 Mark Wiggett (Dudsbury) £700

68 Chris Riley (unattached), Alun Evans (Newport, Pembs) £485 each

69 Steve Robertson (Broome Manor), Mark Plummer (Manor House, Castle Combe), David Hutton (High Post), Jon Langmead (Hele Park) £265 each

70 Marcus Higley (Yeovil), Matt Prior (St Mary's), Scott Amiet (Teign Valley), Duncan Giblett (East Devon) £123 each

Team: 128 (-14) Rob Gardiner II Alun Evans, Shaun Palmer, Colin Payne, Dave Starkey, 129 EMS Medical Robertson, Trevor Young, Stuart Thompson, Gavin Stebbing, 129 Gardiners Paul Morss (Cumberwell Park), Rob Gardiner, George Kilmister, Alan Dangerfield.

Womens:

73 Laura Wright (Oakmere Park) £150

74 Tracy Loveys (Broadstone) £110

73 Stephanie Coverley (Mendip Spring) £99;

Team: 137 Wright, Eve Clements, Gill Miles, Sandra Hanlon, 145 Sarah Burnell (Libbaton), Anna Blackler, Julie Uppington, Wendy Hammond.