Golf: Powell sets the pace on debut as Wales land title

Hinckley's Jason Powell was a member of the winning Wales team in the PGAs of Europe International Team Championship at Spain's Roda Golf and Beach Resort.

The best two out of the three team scores counted each day and all Powell's returns did so as he spearheaded his country's victory.

Powell carded rounds of 72, 68, 69 and 69 for a 10-under-par-278 aggregate.

Wales, with a 16-under-560 total, finished three strokes clear of Switzerland and England with defending champions Ireland and France sharing fourth place on 564.

This was Powell's international debut.

He was picked for the team after winning the Ryder Cup Wales 2010 Welsh National PGA Championship.

There was a field of 24 countries for the championship, including the United Arab Emirates, South Africa and Poland.

Powell said: "It was a fantastic week.

"The lads were brilliant and we had great team spirit.

"I was so pleased to perform well in the company of two PGA Cup players.

"I enjoyed every minute of the week and I am so proud to have represented my country on a professional level.

"To win the event at my first attempt is amazing.

"We had a standing ovation at the gala dinner.

"It was a great feeling. I felt 10ft tall and it is an experience I will never forget."

He added: "It is a great boost ahead of European Tour qualifying back in Spain."

Powell is one of three Leicestershire professionals in the second stage of qualifying.

He is joined by Neil Chaudhuri and Charlie Ford in the 72-hole event which will decide the qualifiers for the six-round final stage of qualifying.

Powell, who got through the first round at The Oxfordshire, competes at Arcos Gardens.

Chaudhuri, who qualified from Chart Hills, plays at Sherry Golf Jerez, and Charlie Ford, who was successful in Italy, is in action at Hacienda Del Alamo.

Ford returned from America at the weekend.

He has been working with his coach and practising following an operation to remove a cyst from his right wrist.

He said: "My wrist feels pretty good, although still a little sore at times. The weather has been really good.

"Although I haven't been competing, I have played most days, so I feel sharp.

"I have a professional caddy on my bag from Worksop, who has caddied for Seve Ballesteros and Lee Westwood for numerous wins.

"Hopefully he will help me to cut out any mistakes that could be made from a lack of competitive golf."