Golf: Drake’s progress . .

PUMPHERSTON’S Paul Drake is the early pacesetter in this season’s Lothians Order of Merit, sponsored by Damm Environmental Ltd.

Since being crowned as Lothians champion last month, Drake has won counting events at both Uphall and Newbattle, where he claimed the Whitburgh Cup last weekend with rounds of 70 and 65.

Drake, a former winner, tops the standings with 165 points, followed by Longniddry’s Chris Wood (121) and Kingsknowe’s Allyn Dick (100).