Michael Thompson’s tenacity proved the key to lifting the Durham County Matchplay Championship trophy at Chester-le-Street Golf Club.
Michael, from Seaham Golf Club, showed real grit down the closing stretch at Chester-le-Street to beat defending champion Will Marshall (Heworth Golf Club) in the semi-finals before overcoming Castle Eden’s Thomas Harbord in the final.
Both matches finished on the 18th hole, with Michael edging out Will 1up before beating Thomas 2up in the final. Thomas made a costly error at 17, finding a bunker with his approach to the green before missing the 18th green and conceding Michael’s putt on the final green having failed to hole his chip shot.
“We both weren’t quite on the top of our game, but we played pretty well in the middle of the round,” said Michael. “We made a few birdies here and there, but there wasn’t much in it all the way round. It all came down to the putting and I was able to hole a few important ones.
“I know Thomas was the favourite going out there but anyone can beat anyone on the day. Having stopped playing after winning the Durham County Junior title, it’s nice to get my hands on the senior trophy.”
