Golfer clinches title

Stevenage golfer Paul Amess certainly enjoyed his first visit to Bermuda more than normal. The 22 year old recently cruised to victory in the annual Amateur Match Play Championships at Mid Ocean Club, wrapping up the title with eight holes to spare. He be

Stevenage golfer Paul Amess certainly enjoyed his first visit to Bermuda more than normal.

The 22 year old recently cruised to victory in the annual Amateur Match Play Championships at Mid Ocean Club, wrapping up the title with eight holes to spare.

He beat previous champion Blake Marshall, who trailed his opponent all the way around the course, in the 36-hole final.

Amess clinched the title on the 28th hole, taking an unassailable lead for a nine and eight victory.

He is in the last year of a four-year golf scholarship in America studying finance but is still a member at Knebworth Golf Club.

Amess said: "I recently made some adjustments to my swing and it all seemed to come together for me.

"I didn't hit the ball too well off the tee but my irons were razor sharp."

And so too was his superb putting that was punctuated on the 16th hole where he nailed a 40-footer to keep the pressure on Marshall.

The Temple University, Philadelphia, student continued: "My stroke felt great, while the greens were in nice condition.

"This is my first time visiting Bermuda and to win an event like this at the first try is fantastic.

"You could not have asked for a better start."

Amess, who attended Thomas Alleyne in Stevenage and was a sixth former at Knights Templar in Baldock, hopes he will be back next year to defend his title.

Before that, the junior will play in the British Amateur at The Westin Turnberry Resort in Scotland in June.

He will also attempt to qualify for the British Open this summer.