LINCOLNSHIRE, England (August 2, 2014) — Nick Marsh is the English champion. He resisted Scott Gregory’s battling qualities to take the title 2&1 on a blustery afternoon at Saunton.

The 19 year old from Yorkshire was, for many, the favourite to lift the English Amateur Championship, supported by abacus, and he was never behind for the 35 holes played. But he was made to battle it out in front of a large and appreciative crowd before landing the biggest prize in English amateur golf.

The end came on the short 17th when, with Marsh needing just a half, Gregory conceded after his chip from left of the green hit the cup, while Marsh left his birdie putt close.

“Wow, what a match,” said Marsh (Image © Leaderboard Photography). “It was a ping-pong tussle with both of us winning holes at different times but to get this title is unbelievable.

“It means everything to me. I’ve been knocking on the door for some time. I’ve come close twice, in the Scottish and Portuguese and to get over the line at last is amazing.

“At the 17th I hit the best three-iron I’ve hit all week. When Scott hit his tee shot left of the green it opened the door for me but I still had to get the job done.

“I could have rolled in a couple more putts which might have got the job over sooner. At 12 and 14 this afternoon I didn’t get up-and-down but it came right in the end.”

Gregory, just a month younger than Marsh, began the week well down the amateur ranking. But he has put himself on the national golfing map with what he has achieved and seems set for greater things.

For more, please continue reading at EnglandGolf.com.