Nick Raybould (Seacroft Golf Club) clinched the Midland Masters title in an exhilarating showdown on his home course, emerging victorious after a five-way play-off featuring some of the region's best players.
Having started the second day of the tournament a couple of shots behind the overnight leaders - Daniel Whitby-Smith (Drayton Park Golf Club) and Simon Lilly (Golfers Choice), Raybould had some work to do. He said: “I didn't think I really had much of a shot, especially when I doubled the second! I thought it was all over, but I just got stuck in and it all just fell into place.
“I know where to hit the ball off the tee, I know that my shape suits this course and under pressure I can hit that little fade and just keep it in play, so as long as I've given myself chances, hopefully you convert and that's what happened.”
Raybould showcased composure throughout the play-off, outplaying four formidable opponents in Daniel Whitby-Smith, James Freeman (Rotherham Golf Club), Dave Coupland (Woodhall Spa Golf Club) and Matthew Cort (Beedles Lake Golf Club), who all finished on 8-under-par alongside Raybould after two days of play.
Raybould ultimately secured his victory with a spectacular birdie on the second play-off hole. Watch the winning putt here:
Raybould said of the play-off: “It was extremely nerve-wracking, especially looking at the calibre of the players in this field - I lost one play-off already this year at a different event, but I knew that if I hit it in the right places, I was always going to give myself a chance.”
Winning in front of a supportive hometown crowd added to the importance of the moment, as he explained: “I've had a few members out watching today, which has been really nice for them to watch me play golf. They don't really get to see their assistant pro play that much, so it's been a really good day. I've had a decent season this year and it’s always been just myself and my caddy, so it's nice to share it with the club!”
See the final Midland Masters leaderboard here.
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