LEADING professional Michael Watson, from Weymouth’s Wessex Golf Centre, won the two-day Forest Classic played at the Forest of Dean and Forest Hills Golf Clubs.

Watson broke the Forest of Dean record by two shots with an opening round of 60 to take a four-shot lead into the second day. He followed with a second round two-under-par 70 at Forest Hills.

His overnight four-shot lead evaporated as the experienced former European Tour player Stuart Little (Minchinhampton) posted the day’s best return of six-under-par 65 to lead in the clubhouse on eight-under 133.

Left-hander Little, who was third in the opening PGA West Region event at Saunton, made eight birdies and dropped just one shot in an outstanding round.

“I holed all the chances I created,” he said. “I thought I had a chance because it’s not an easy finish here with holes that can come back and bite you.”

Cirencester’s Ed Goodwin had a disappointing and frustrating day at Forest Hills after opening with a level par 69.

His putter ended in a bush after the 12th hole and he used a wedge on the greens for the remainder of his round, a four-over-par 76.

Goodwin allegedly holed two eight-footers with his ‘alternative’ putter before returning to the 12th hole later in the day to retrieve his errant club.

Goodwin finished tied 29th alongside Ross Langdon (South Cerney) who also faded on the second day, scoring 67 and 78.