Gough shows skill and nerve to claim Lytham Trophy

May 2, 2022 | by England Golf

A birdie on the 17th pushes the Englishman to a one-stroke victory at Royal Lytham and St Anne’s Golf Club

John Gough’s stunning run of victories has continued with a dramatic triumph in the Lytham Trophy.

The 23-year-old England men’s squad player took the prestigious title by a single shot from Scotland’s Connor Graham after closing the 72-hole stroke play event with a round of 70 for a winning total of level par.

Gough’s England colleague, Ben Quinney from Kent, finished third with a closing total of +3.

For Gough, the latest piece of silverware will be in good company alongside the English Men’s Amateur trophy won last year at Moortown Golf Club and the prize from the Spanish Amateur Championship following victory in that event in March.

Gough took the plaudits at the 56th staging of the event at Royal Lytham and St Anne’s Golf Club with an excellent display on one of the country’s toughest links venues to edge out the 15-year-old Scot.

It was a brave effort from Gough to get over the line.

Rounds of 67, 70, 73 around the par 70 Open Championship course meant the golfer from BB&O was tied for the lead with Ireland’s Eoin Morgan heading into the final 18.

Gough soon edged ahead of his rivals with birdies at the second, seventh, ninth and 12th holes.

There then followed a wobble on the back nine with three consecutive bogeys from the 14th leaving him tied with Graham who had posted the clubhouse lead on +1.

However, a birdie on 17 pushed Gough ahead once more and a par at the famous finishing hole – the scene of Open victories for legends such as Tony Jacklin, Gary Player, Seve Ballesteros and Ernie Els – allowed the Englishman to claim one of the biggest prizes in amateur golf.

Ultimately, Gough’s experience gained from closing out top tournaments in the last year told down the home stretch.

In an international field, Gough becomes the fifth English winner in succession following in the footsteps of Josh McMahon, Matthew Jordan, Jack Singh Brar and Alfie Plant

Results: Lytham Trophy

Place	Player	Location	Pts	Scores
1	John Gough	, England	1200	67-70-73-70=280
2	Connor Graham	, Scotland	900	71-71-70-69=281
3	Ben Quinney	, England	700	72-67-72-72=283
4	Robert Moran	, Ireland	700	68-68-75-73=284
5	Connor Rochon	, Canada	700	70-70-73-72=285

View full results for Lytham Trophy

About the Lytham Trophy

Gough shows skill and nerve to claim Lytham Trophy

In the early 1960s some of the senior Members of the Royal Lytham & St. Annes Golf Club felt that there was a gap in the amateur golfing calendar and the need for a major 72 hole scratch competition. Help was given by the English Golf Union to launch...