Leeds Cup joy for Ramsden

Michael Ramsden came up on the rails with four birdies in the last eight holes to leapfrog the field on the way to winning the Leeds Cup run in association with Ramsdens Currency at Cobble Hall.

The 41-year-old Renishaw Park professional attributed part of his success to former winners, fellow Yorkshireman John Wells, from Snainton Golf Centre, and Carden Park's Garry Houston.

"It was a tough day and I had a tough start," he revealed after posting scores of 67 and 65 for a six-under-par total.

"But linking up with two great players was a big help and I just pushed through on the back nine. It made up for the disappointment of losing in a play-off in the James Brearley Open in Blackpool last year.

"It's been my goal in PGA North to get a trophy under my belt," admitted Ramsden as he cradled the iconic Leeds Cup, professional golf's oldest trophy dating from 1902.

Ramsden, who by an extraordinary coincidence shared almost the same name as the sponsors, Ramsdens, who came on board this year.

As a club professional through and through, his playing schedule is limited.

Meanwhile, he counts as his friends Lee Westwood, from his home town Worksop, and Mark Foster.

He also considers himself fortunate to know 2016 Masters champion Danny Willett with whom he spent four years when he was a youngster.

"I still keep in touch with Lee,” he added. “I watched him a lot and I realised I'd never be as good as him so I chose a different path. It turned out to be the right one.”

Houston, who went into the second and final round leading the field by two shots, finished runner-up two shots adrift of Ramsden.