DORSET’S Lee James chalked up a course record on his first appearance in Ronan Rafferty’s TP Tour Series.

The 38-year-old touring professional carded a six-under-par 65 at Purdis Heath to win the pro-am event on Sunday.

James, however, struggled on the morning of the first day of the main event with a 73, before shooting a 66 after lunch to stake a share of third place.

He finished three shots behind Francis McGuirk (70, 66) who claimed the £2,000 first prize and his third win of the series, while Rafferty carded rounds of 72 and 71.

James, meanwhile, earned a total of £625 for his pro-am win and top-three finish.

“I messed up the opening round with some poor putting,” admitted the six-time Challenge Tour winner.

“I three-putted three times and even four-putted the ninth after driving the green.”

James will play one more TP Tour Series event at Hankley Common next Monday before returning to the Jamega Tour.

The Salterns Marina-sponsored player is the Jamega Tour’s order of merit leader after winning twice this season.