ELLIOT Groves overcame a stamina-sapping schedule to win the Be Wiser Insurance PGA in Hampshire Matchplay final.

The PGA assistant pro at Ampfield Par 3 course, who has a liking for knockout competition, defeated Tournerbury’s Ben Wall 3&2 at Hockley, writes Ken Gaunt.

Groves, who won the Assistants and Trainees Matchplay Championship last month, could not hide his delight at overcoming a strong field over three days.

After finishing second in the qualifier, Groves beat Martin Adams, Steve Hunter and Adam Hickling before disposing of Wall. He said: “It was brilliant to win the event as I was knocked out last season and, to be honest, it hurt.

“I’m good at match play and should be competing for prizes.

This has to be one of the best tournaments on the circuit.

“It was tough coming up against Martin, Adam and Ben, who are all high up in the Order of Merit, while Steven has a lot of experience.

“When you could be playing 90 holes over three days, that is a challenge in itself and none of my matches were easy.”

Groves is pleased with his progress this season on the PGA in Hampshire circuit , winning the Soton Rotary AM and Cams Hall Pro-Ams and coming tied first at Rowlands Castle.

He also finished third in the PGA Assistants Championship after finishing in a similar spot in the PGA South Assistants and Trainees Championship.

Meanwhile Adams triumphed at the South Winchester ProAm with 40 points, two ahead of Jon Barnes. Gary Stubbington, Josh Stock, Chris Hudson and Steve Hunter came joint third on 37 points.