THE Wiltshire Open has been dropped by host club Hamptworth after only three years through lack of support from the county's leading players.

Hamptworth established the event for both professionals and amateurs to mark the millennium in 2000.

Former European Tour player Andy Beal (Salisbury) won the inaugural tournament, shooting six-under-par 66 to set a new course record.

This was two shots better than the round returned by Richard Blake (Upavon) when he won the West Region Club Professional Championship.

Beal then completed a double the following year with a round of 70 over the maturing woodland course at Landford, near Salisbury.

Wiltshire's promising young amateurs Richard Scarrott (Wrag Barn), then just 13 at the time, and Alistair James (Cum-berwell Park) shared a 71.

Salisbury assistant Lee Booth won the final event last year with 67.