LEE Thompson set a sensational course record at the Total Triumph Classic – but still finished five shots off the pace.

The Dudsbury touring professional fired a 10-under-par 60 in the first round of the 36-hole event at Oake Manor Golf Club, near Taunton, bettering the previous mark by two strokes.

That put him three clear and it would have been even better had he not narrowly missed with a 20-footer at the last.

“I have never shot a lower round,” said Thompson, who sunk eagles at the par-five 15th and par-five 17th.

He started the following day with a couple of dropped shots but battled back to 10 under, only to card a seven at the par-four 13th.

Just eight other players shot worse than Thompson’s 73, so he slipped back to share ninth.

“That one hole and bad luck hit me badly,” he said. “But l wasn’t expecting much as I haven’t played a lot this summer.”

Thompson earned £312 for his troubles, while European Tour winner John Bickerton (-12) celebrated his debut in a PGA West order of merit tournament with a two-shot victory.

In the amateur section, Paul Jones (Ashley Wood) and James Macey (Oake Manor) recorded 59 to finish second. Thompson was third alongside another home amateur, James Ward.