Gloucestershire’s men’s team won the English Men’s County Finals after a dramatic final day win over Yorkshire at Hollinwell Golf Club.
Needing to beat Yorkshire on the final day of the round-robin matchplay event – which features daily foursomes and singles matches – the destination of the trophy came down to Charlie McKinnes’ 12ft par putt on the 18th hole, which he sank in front of the gathered crowd and his teammates.
Heading into the day, Gloucestershire knew they had to beat Yorkshire to win the Men’s County Championship title for a fourth time in the competition’s 100-year history, while Yorkshire just had to avoid defeat to land their record 24th title.
Essex also had slim hopes of bagging their third ever title, but needed a mammoth win over reigning champions Leicestershire & Rutland. They triumphed 5.5-3.5 to finish just a half-point behind Yorkshire in third place.
With Gloucestershire winning 4.5 points out of eight so far, they needed a half from the last match on the course – with Charlie having battled back from 4dn through four holes against Habib Khan.
Both players didn’t hit the tee shots and approaches they were hoping for as the crowd gathered around the 18th, and after Habib’s 20ft par putt just missed, Charlie stepped up to roll in his putt.
“My heart’s still beating out my chest!” said Charlie. “I knew the situation was building with more people turning up to watch. I knew that it was all on my game to get the half-point for the win. I just tried to focus and get that half. It was very entertaining and I enjoyed it a lot!
“It was a bit of redemption from missing a short putt on that hole this morning [to save a half-point]. That green owed me something, and thankfully it dropped this afternoon.”
Gloucestershire’s 5-4 win was the same margin they were beaten by Essex by on day two, but their 7-2 victory over Leicestershire & Rutland on day one proved the difference through game points. Yorkshire meanwhile beat Leicestershire & Rutland 5-4 and claimed a 3.5-5.5 win over Essex.
For more on each day’s matches click here.
For the full results click here.
