Byron and Catherine Cottrell raced away to a seven-shot victory in the gross division of the eighth annual Couples Tournament in the third and final round at Port Royal on Saturday when they carded a four-over-par 75.

The final day?s play was completed using the two-ball Pinehurst format off 50 percent handicap.

The Cottrells, from New Smyrna Beach, Florida, finished on 228, seven ahead of closest rivals Charles and Carol Nichols, who fired 79 for a 54-hole total of 235.

Donald and Jean Courtney, meanwhile, clinched net honours for the second year in a row with an overall three-day total of 186, three strokes ahead of Henry and Laura Antolak.

However, the final day belonged to Peter and Sharon Peitz who turned in a net 61, one better than the Courtneys.

The Pompano Beach-sponsored event began at Riddell?s Bay with the following two days? play at Port Royal.