City of Newcastle Golf Club is the England’s Champion Club for a second time in three years.
The City – represented by Alex Dixon, Phil Ridden and Andrew Minnikin – led the field at Romford Golf Club in Essex to capture the national title and book a return to the European Men’s Club Trophy at Golf du Medoc on October 24-26.
The victory follows success in 2017 and a runners-up finish in 2018 at the event.
The City team started the final round on two over-par, seven shots off the pace set by Royal Lytham & St Annes. They shaved nine shots off that score in the second round with Alex carding a four under-par 67, Phil shooting a round of 68 and Andrew contributing a level par 71.
That sensational scoring was enough to see them claim a four shot victory over Chelmsford Golf Club in Essex with a five under-par total of 421.
“We’re really overjoyed,” said City captain Simon Coultas. “It didn’t look likely after day one, but we battled away and in the end it proved to be enough.
“This tournament has been very good to us over the last three years,” he added. “We’ve got three or four really good county players at the club and that’s held us in good stead.
“Alex and Phil were in the team that won in 2017 so they know what it’s like to represent England in Europe. We’re looking forward to it already.”
“I think playing early today probably helped us,” said Alex. “We were able to post a score, and then sit back and let the others try and catch us. I’d always rather do that than have to do the chasing.
“We finished third in the team event in France two years ago so it would be great if we could do better than that,” he added. “Phil and I know what it’s all about so we will be able to give Andrew some pointers.”
