PAUL Davies was crowned 2008 Club Champion at Hatchford Brook Golf Club after shooting impressive rounds of 73 and 72.
The four-handicapper has struggled in the prestigious competition over the last few years but he proved his doubters wrong when he beat Stephen Tompkinson by two shots.
Youngster Nathan Ray led at the half-way point, but the second round of a gruelling 36 holes let the 14-year-old down as he shot 75 after a 72 start.
Assistant professional Tompkinson pushed Davies all the way after coming in on 77 and recording the lowest 18-hole score of the day - going out on level-par 70.
Last year's winner, John Tompkinson failed to reproduce the form that won him the title and a lost ball down 16 on the first round sealed Dave Cadman's fate. The captain remained upbeat though with a solid 75 to finish.
In the Nett Championship, 26-handicapper Steven Cutts leads the way going into the second week.
A nett 65 put him top of the pack ahead of Bill Britton (66) and Bob Green (67). n OLTON Golf Club's George Parker won the 2008 Junior Open on Monday with a solid three over par score.
The 16-year-old saw off the competition of a 38-strong field to earn top honours at Robin Hood Golf Club.
It was a tightly contested round though as 15-year-old Hannah Crump, from Copt Heath Golf Club, finished just one shot behind seven-handicapper Parker.
Crump did not come away empty-handed though as her impressive four over par 76 gave the 11-handicapper the nett title.
Both nett and gross winners will go on to the National Daily Telegraph Junior Golf Champion-ships later in the year.
