De la Mare's historic birdie

MATT DE LA MARE has become the first player to birdie the new sixth hole at La Grande Mare. The 169-yard environmentally protected par three was used for the first time at Lloyd Gaudion's Captain's Prize event which attracted an entry of 108.

The field included the Royal Guernsey and L'Ancresse captains, John Herschel and Tim Mileham respectively, and the island's five fully-qualified professionals, Norman Wood, Eddie Cooper, Matt Groves, Stuart Wallbridge and de la Mare.

'It all went very well,' said a delighted Gaudion, who handed over the main prize to Ricky West, who scored 36 Stableford points.

The new sixth was one of three greens used for the first time, but will subsequently be closed again for the time being as all three are allowed to mature.

'I think the consensus of opinion was very favourable to them,' said Gaudion.

'It makes a big difference to the course and makes the front nine a lot harder.'

One of the features of the sixth is its three-tier green and that it is protected by water at the front.

Winner West, a nine handicap, collected one point from the sixth which he bogeyed.

It was his only minor blip on the outward half in which he picked up 20 points.

The back nine was not as productive but he continued to score on every hole and a further 16 points kept him out in front.

Ian Hardman won the category one/two section with 34 points, the same score as the category three winner, Clive Gibbons.

He also took four at the sixth and was particularly strong over the back nine where he picked up 19.

De la Mare won the professional's prize with 32, while Herschel walked away with the guest's prize for his 33 points.

Max Trouteaud won the category four section with 30 and Gary Tommy the committee prize.

Other prize winners were:

Mystery - Chris Marquis; nearest the sixth pin - Kevin Buckley; nearest the 16th pin - Eddie Cooper; nearest the line - Mark Kynes; nearest the pin with second shot at 12th - Chris Bisson.