James Glenn lifted the Durham County Golf Union’s County Strokeplay Championship trophy for the second time after three days of high-quality golf at Brancepeth Castle.
James – who won the event in 2020 – shot rounds of 66, 70, 69 and 68 for a seven under-par total and a two-shot win over Blackwell Grange’s Adam Rochester and Brancepeth-based Richard Aisbitt.
“I wasn’t sure if I could win again, but I’m proud to be county champion for the second time,” said James. “Now I’m a dad with a full-time job and a lot less time to play and practise, I can appreciate this win more than the one five years ago. I appreciate how much work it takes to play at this level when you’re not solely focused on your game. I really questioned if I’d forgotten how to play golf at this level, so it’s great to be back enjoying how I’m playing.”
James, who works for Mizuno and has twin boys with his wife, Amanda, has had to squeeze practice in while travelling, prioritising family time when he’s back at home in Durham.
“Long gone are the days when I was a student and I could practise for six hours around writing my thesis,” he added. “It’s a rush this time of year, but I try to get three events in a month. My game is in the best shape it has been in the last two-and-a-half years.
“I didn’t see the work pay off until the Logan Trophy at Rockliffe Hall [where James finished T3]. Building on a sharp short game there, my putting was so strong at Brancepeth – I only missed three putts inside 6ft all week. Add in a solid gameplan, limiting how often I hit driver to avoid big mistakes, and it was a really satisfying week.
“I knew I would be nervous on Sunday and managing my emotions was key. I stuck to the plan, only deviating on 16 and getting away with one there, then made a nice up and down on 18 for a two-shot win. After shaking hands, I exhaled deeply and took off walking as I knew the emotions were going to come out. I put my towel over my head and let it all sink in as the tears came out. It’s hard to win and I’m proud I got this one, I’m proud I’m able to share it with my kids and show them why I spend time playing golf. Given all the context, the work finding the balance between having a family and playing golf at this level, this is undoubtedly the best win of my career so far.”
Meanwhile, Richard won the Nelson Jubilee Medal – presented to the leading player after 36 holes in honour of former county secretary and president George Nelson – for the third time.
Following his win, James will represent Durham in the Men’s County Champion of Champions event at Woodhall Spa on September 14.
