Tapie grabs maiden tour victory

American Alan Tapie, who turned 50 in March, scored his first European seniors tour victory in the Elf Open at Chantaco, south-west France, on Saturday.

The slim Californian birdied the last for a 70 and 10 under par 200 to end three ahead of Scot John McTear (71) and Ireland's Liam Higgins (66).

A £17,857 first prize nudged his winnings in his rookie season to £46,924 and lifted him to the top of the money list above Tommy Horton, competing in the US Seniors Open in Iowa.

Glasgow club professional McTear, who won £9,282, also turned 50 in March and qualified alongside Tapie at the Tour School.

He was tied for the lead with him with two to play, but overshot the 17th and 18th greens for bogeys.

McTear explained: "I guess I was a bit pumped up and hit the ball 20 yards further than I expected at the last."

Tapie, who has not competed full-time since the early eighties, admitted "I stopped playing regularly for family reasons and came to Europe because I missed the deadline for joining the US Tour.

"I came close to winning three times on the main tour back home but this is my first substantial victory."

Higgins, who has been battling against 'flu all week, snapped up six birdies, including two twos, in his two halves of 33.

Neil Coles, who will be 65 in September, covered the last nine holes in 31 for a 66 to share fourth place on 204 with Eddie Polland, who played with a broken toe but closed with a 67, and American Jerry Bruner (73).

Tony Jacklin, who was 55 last Wednesday, ended with a 69 to tie 12th on 207.