Ludwell wins prestigious prize

Nick Ludwell achieved a lifelong ambition by winning the oldest piece of silverware in professional golf, the De Vere Leeds Cup. 

He won by two shots at Oulton Hall to have his name etched on the famous trophy, which was first competed for in 1902.

"I'm chuffed to bits," he said, after tagging a 69 to his opening 66 for a seven-under-par total.

"I've always wanted to win this event, there's no better one as far as I'm concerned and I've done it on my own doorstep.

"Apart from when I was full time on the European Tour, I've not missed many opportunities to play in it. I'm also delighted that the trophy is back in Yorkshire after being on the other side of the Pennines for three years."

But the 41-year-old Selby professional admitted that he was a "little surprised" by his success because he'd only played two competitive tournaments this season because of coaching commitments at his busy club.

"I had a lesson from Peter Cowen last week so that helped but I didn't even have time to play a practice round.

"I was fairly relaxed from the start because I had no great hopes of winning so maybe that contributed to the outcome."

It was nip and tuck over the closing holes between Ludwell and Royal Liverpool's Ian Keenan as they pulled away from the chasing pack.

"I bogeyed the ninth but then had three birdies in a row from the 11th and despite Ian's eagle at the 13th I convinced myself that I could win," he added.

Keenan signed off with a 71 to share second place with 56-year-old Baildon professional Richard Masters who could not disguise his delight after birdying the last two holes.

"I've been playing in this event for more than 35 years and this is my best finish," he said.