It's Jack's day as the professionals are beaten

RICHARD BLAND took time out from his European tour duties this week to play in a very special match for the Hampshire assistant professionals.

The Stoneham ace lined up for them in the annual match against the county's pros at South Winchester - and ended up on the winning team!

The assistants pulled off a shock win - their first in the three years of the event - by claiming five of the six fourball matches.

But the day belonged to former Hampshire PGA secretary Jack Wells. The fixture has been renamed the Jack Wells Challenge Match in honour of his many years of service to the organisation.

He took over as secretary in 1972 when the PGA was ailing and guided it to become a respected body over the course of the next 15 years.

He was also heavily involved in the formation of the Patrons of the Hampshire PGA in 1973 and has been their secretary ever since.

The Patrons support and encourage young professionals and junior golfers in the county.

Now 82, Jack remains an active member of both the New Forest and Bramshaw clubs.

He was on hand to watch Tuesday's match and to present the trophy to the winning captain, Philip Dryden.

The Tournerbury assistant had, though, been unable to play because of illness.

"It's a great honour to have this event named after me," said Jack.

"I wasn't sure which of the two teams to support, but opted for the assistants in view of my work for the Patrons.

"It was great to see them win for the first time."