Burgess edges it in tight finish

Sports massage therapist Iain Burgess, right, muscled his way into the final of the Lombard Trophy after winning the regional qualifying event at Camberley Heath Golf Club.

But he and Farnham Golf Club professional Luke Bone endured an agonising wait before their victory was confirmed.

The Surrey duo posted a nine-under-par round of 62 early on as they were in the first group out.

But Giles Velvick  and Alan Hartfield (Horam Park Golf Club) matched that score before the last group in saw  Paul Creamer and Phil Hadfield  (Foxhills Club & Resort) make it a three way tie at the top.

Burgess and Bone held on to their lead though on count back to win by one shot.

They will now play in the £41,500 grand final. The Lombard sponsored tournament, supported by Coca Cola is being held at beautiful Pestana Golf Resort in Vila Sol from September 22-23.

And for Bone it will be his second final in the space of two years after he reached the Gleneagles showpiece in 2014.

Last year, he was denied another final spot on countback and he feared the same thing could happen again.

But Burgess, 49, knew they had beaten at least one of their rivals.

“I’d done the maths and worked out we’d be ahead of one of the groups, but when the last pair came in on nine under par we couldn’t see their card, so it was an anxious wait,” said the 17 handicapper.

“Thankfully it all worked out for us and we’re really looking forward to playing in Portugal.

“I was feeling a bit of pressure with Luke getting to the final two years ago and being runner up in the qualifier last year.

“But most of my putts went in on some very fast greens. Even so, I can’t believe we’ve done it.”

Bone admitted he returned to his club shop while he waited for the final result.

“I don’t think I’ve ever hit the refresh button so much in my life as I watched the scores come in online!” he smiled.

“I whizzed back when I saw we were still in contention. Iain was brilliant with his putts but we had a steady round with no bogeys.

“I’ve never played in Portugal before, usually when I’m on holiday it means no golf. But I’ll be making an exception this time and hopefully improve on a couple of years ago at Gleneagles when we finished around halfway.”