CRAIG Patterson, who only took up golf three years ago, made home advantage tell to win the Waterstock Junior Open on Monday.

Patterson, a five-handicapper from Waterstock, shot a level-par 73 to win by two shots in this prestigious tournament, which is sponsored by the Oxford Mail and Cabana Soft Drinks.

Patterson, a 17-year-old who attends Lord Williams's School, Thame, first picked up a club at a junior open day at Waterstock's driving range in 1997.

"I made a few birdies and a few bogeys and remember holing a long putt at the seventh," said Patterson, who is also a member of The Oxfordshire, after his round.

Unfortunately, his level-par score will not be enough to get into the Daily Telegraph Junior Championship, for which this event was a qualifier.

Two shots behind him came Peter Godfrey, a seven-handicapper from Wentworth, while Gary Boyd, who plays off five at Cherwell Edge, was third on 76.

The handicap competition in the open division was won by 15-handicapper Alex Collyer (Temple) with a nett 66, on countback from David Reading (Cherwell Edge), who plays off ten.

North Oxford's Alex Nightingale shot 88-21=67 for third place.

The tournament, which drew a record entry of more than 90 juniors, proved an outstanding success.

OTHER RESULTS

Div 1 (11-13 years): 1 S Fitzpatrick 81-23=58, 2 S Gregory (Waterstock) 85-24=61, 3 J Carr (Milton Keynes) 117-54=63.

Div 2: (9-10 years 9 holes): 1 J Powell (Cherwell Edge) 44, 2 L Jeacock (Kirtlington) 50, 3 J King (Banbury) 52.

Pee-Wees (under 9 years - 3 holes): 1 M Draper 15.

Nearest the pin 3rd hole: L Jeacock. 7th: S Gregory. 14th: D Wright (Mentmore). 16th K Cullum (Mentmore). Longest drive (12th): Clara Leathers (Aylesbury GC).

Afternoon Pairs: 1 N Vincent & A Kelly (Windmill Hill) 49pts (cb), 2 D Holt & A Collyer (Temple) 49, 3 J Potts & C Drewitt (Royal Ascot) 48.