Durham golfer secures transatlantic success
As the US triumphed in the Ryder Cup in Minnesotta, Europe’s Fightmaster Cup team retained their transatlantic prize at the Indian Wells Golf Resort, Palm Springs, California.
The biennial contest, which features the best one-armed players from Europe competing against their North American counterparts, featured Durham golfer Steven Hutchinson – a member of Barnard Castle and part of Ralph Givens team at Blackwell Grange.
Hutchinson, who played in three matches, securing a singles point as Europe retained the trophy with a 15-13 win, said: “We’ve given the US a bit of a thumping in the last two matches so went in with a lot of confidence. It was a lot closer this year and the Americans put up a great fight. This was my first away match, having played in 2014 in Stirling, and the experience was incredible.
“The final day was tough going, the temperature was up at 39 degrees and it took more than six hours to get round, but winning the trophy for a second time was incredible. The rivalry is strong but we’re also great friends.”
Winner of the English & Welsh Open in 2015, Hutchinson added: “My handicap has just gone back up to 12 this season but I’ve had a decent year in the national events and some low scores at Barnard Castle. I made the matchplay finals of the World Championship and I’ll defend my English and Welsh title in October so it should be a good end to the year.”
