Stew Fell earned his first county title with victory in Northumberland’s County Championship at Bedlingtonshire.
Tynemouth-based Stew, 30, produced a commanding performance in the event’s 36-hole matchplay final, beating Northumberland’s James Conn 11&9 to complete a gruelling week, which included 36 holes of strokeplay qualifying and four rounds of matchplay.
“I can’t quite believe it, I never thought I’d win a County Championship,” said Stew. “I’m very surprised and very proud.
“I’ve played some good golf throughout the week and having been 3down in the first game before turning it around, I wasn’t down in a match after that and felt in control each night and able to play my own game.
“I thought I was still one of the young guys around county golf until I teed it up against an 18-year-old in the final. The result doesn’t do James’ week justice. He’s a fantastic golfer and I’m sure it’ll be no time before he wins one of these.”
With the win, Stew – who won the Northern Golfer men’s Champion of Champions in 2017 – will go on to represent Northumberland in the England Golf County Champion of Champions at Woodhall Spa later this season.