Roofer on top of world after Coventry win

Northampton roofer Craig Groom, right, hit the heights by winning the Lombard Trophy regional final at Coventry Golf Club.

The 29-year-old amateur teamed up with Northampton Golf Club professional Nick Soto to record an impressive 13 under par round of 60 to win by three shots ahead of Paul Bradshaw and Neil Patrick, of Holme Hall Golf Club in Lincolnshire, and Ian Walley and Charlie Hudson from Derby's Kedleston Park Golf Club.

Groom and Soto 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 Groom admitted he sensed the pair were in with a chance of winning at the turn when they were six under par after nine holes.

“You can’t help but think about it when you’re doing well, but I really didn’t know what a good score was in this competition, it was the first time I’d played in it,” said the 12 handicapper.

“But I holed a couple of important putts which I was pleased about. Nick just said to keep my head together towards the end and we could win it. We finished with a nett eagle. So I was happy with that.”

Groom only took up playing golf on a regular basis four years ago.

“I was playing football and didn’t want to risk getting injured as that could affect my work as someone who’s self-employed,” he said.

“But I suppose I first started playing when I was 10. Now though I’ve joined up at Northampton and I’m improving. I don’t get that nervous, I had a few butterflies at the start but once I played my first shot I was fine. Getting to a final in Portugal is fantastic.”

Soto admitted that they were paired with another duo in contention for the top spot.

“We were up against Russell Berry and Matt Sollis  from Broadway Golf Club and we were neck and neck after nine holes.

“So when we moved ahead of them we thought we could do it. It was like matchplay between us and it’s always better when you’re playing a competitive pairing as it pushes you on.”