Nick Marsh produced a composed final-day display at Kedleston Park to win the 2026 Coca-Cola PGA Assistants’ Championship.
Nick – who is attached to Vipingo Ridge in Kenya, where his father David is the PGA professional – closed with a one under-par round of 71 to finish on nine under-par for the championship, three shots clear of Kedleston Park’s Joshua Ashton, with Brandon Meads (Billericay Golf Ltd) a further shot back in third place.
Nick, who played out of Huddersfield Golf Club as an amateur and won the English Amateur in 2014 before turning professional, put himself in control with rounds of 69 and 67 over the opening two days in Derbyshire. Although conditions firmed up and the wind made scoring more difficult on day three, he held his nerve to complete the win and take home the £5,000 winner’s cheque.
“I’m really, really delighted to get the win,” said Nick. “It was my first time playing the Assistants’ Championship and it’s been a great three days. I’m really pleased and proud to get the job done and walk away with the trophy.”
Established in 1930, the Coca-Cola PGA Assistants’ Championship is The PGA’s longest-running tournament and remains one of the most difficult titles to win, with players only eligible during their training.
That history was not lost on Nick, who joined an illustrious list of winners that includes Dai Rees, Peter Alliss, Neil Coles, Tony Jacklin and Barry Lane.
“I’m honoured,” he said. “I’m very grateful that The PGA put on these type of championships for us to play in, and very proud to get the win this week.”
The final day was far from straightforward with tricky conditions adding to the challenge.
“The wind was up, the greens were a little bit quicker, and the golf course was baked out,” added Nick. “Controlling your golf ball off the tee and into the greens was key. There was no real change in mentality, I was just trying to give myself as many birdie opportunities as I could. It was tricky out there, so I’m really happy to get the job done.”
The victory carried extra significance for Nick, who had his father alongside him caddying.
“It’s always nice to get my dad on the bag,” he said. “We don’t get to do that often, and when he does it it’s a special occasion. I wouldn’t be here without him. He’s my PGA mentor, and it means so much to have him on the bag this week.”
The first-year trainee will now have the opportunity to return and defend the title in the years ahead, but his immediate focus was on celebrating a breakthrough success in an event he believes plays an important role in the development of PGA trainees.
“Playing in as many events as you can and giving yourself the opportunity to be among some of the best assistants and PGA pros out there is key for development,” Nick said. “Without sponsors, events like this wouldn’t go ahead and wouldn’t give us trainees and PGA pros the opportunity to play. We’re incredibly grateful for all the sponsors this week, especially Coca-Cola.”
For the full results click here.
