"Rodders" is back - and that means gloom for many West Region PGA professionals who heaved a sign of relief when Rod Davis decided to go into semi-retirement as a player.

He joined the new Open Golf as a salaried instructor last year and decided to concentrate on teaching rather than playing.

Now he is back at his former base at Canford Magna. Although teaching is important, he has elected to venture onto the course again.

He made a two-day trip to Wales with spectacular success. He started with a two-under-par 68 in a Pro-Am at The Monmouthshire to win by a shot from three Welshman. He also brought in the team that finished third so earned £500 for the day.

Steve Mudford (The Dorset) shot 72 to win £125 while Graham Howell (Sturminster Marshall) collected £100 for leading the winning team.

The following day Davis shot one-over 72 in the BACTA Pro Am at Pyle and Kenfig to finish in a tie for sixth worth £180. Howell shot 73 to take home £109.

Nigel Tokely (Broadstone) benefited from the extra number of West Region players who qualified for the Glenmuir Club Professionals Championship.

Although he shot 78, he was placed 15th in the qualifier at wet and windy Saunton. As the final is staged at the same venue on June 11-14, the region was awarded 21 places instead of the usual 11.

Kevin Spurgeon (Dudsbury) might have had a chance of getting through after carding 79. Seven other players on 79 contested the final spot in a play off, but Spurgeon went home early.