Stuart's a winner (From Stroud News and Journal)

Stuart's a winner

STUART Little headed back to a happy hunting ground last week and came up trumps with the second Challenge Tour victory of his career.

The Nailsworth golfer (pictured) will once again have his name on the Rolex Trophy - he first won the event in 1994 after heading the field by two shots by end of play on Sunday.

It was a marvellous performance to fire rounds of 66, 67, 69, 69 for a 17 under par total, especially considering his recent dip in form. However, as the 34 year-old told the News and Journal last week 'Geneva is a happy hunting ground for me and I hope it will act as the catalyst to get me going again.'

Got going he certainly did. Andre Bossert was beaten into second by two shots and Little's prize money of £7,920 has hoisted him back into the top 15 in the order of merit. He currently lies l2th and is about £5,000 clear of the l5th placed man with only seven events left. He's naturally very pleased with his performance and his position.

"Every win is very pleasing and this one has come at an especially important time. I now need only a further £2,000 or so to guarantee my European Tour Card for next season," said the powerful left-hander.

He added: "However, I'm not looking at just finishing l5th. I'll be playing a further six or seven counting events and I want to finish as high as I possibly can. "

And in a chilling message for his counterparts Little said: "In Switzerland I didn't make many mistakes and this helped me to maintain my momentum throughout the four days, although I know I can play better. "

Stuart is enjoying a well deserved break this week and has been overwhelmed by the kind words of congratulations that he has received from local friends and golfers alike, saying: "It's been great. It's nice to know that people take an interest in how I do".

He concluded: "I've received a lot of praise for my win, but would like to thank two people myself. Paul Bradley and Diana Beaver had a couple of meetings with me last week and their inspirational words most definitely triggered my win".