Magical Michael Mallon from Banbridge Golf Club saw off 14,000 entrants to be crowned Srixon Amateur Champion, in association with the TGI Golf Partnership at Celtic Manor last week.
The 24-year-old joiner scored 37 Stableford points to claim the trophy on the famed Twenty Ten Course by just one point from Darren Hudson of Ifield Golf Club.
Mallon, along with his TGI Partner Jason Greenaway also scooped the team award with a combined score of three-under-par 139.
Partners of TGI Golf – golf’s leading retail services group – staged qualifying events across the UK & Ireland, with Srixon supplying Partners with prizes including a Fairway Wood, light stand bag and a dozen Z Star golf balls for first, second and third places respectively.
The winner of each event was placed onto a national leaderboard, with the top 20 amateurs then qualifying for the grand final, staged at the world famous Celtic Manor Resort, where all competitors were also given overnight accommodation.
Mallon also topped that national leaderboard following an amazing net round of 13-under-par to win his club’s May Medal in some style.
He then took that form into the grand final, following in the footsteps of some of the most famous golfers in the world as the five-handicapper enjoyed the round of his life.
“It’s a great feeling to be crowned champion, I never dreamt I’d be holding the trophy when I qualified,” he said. “It was an amazing experience.”
Banbridge PGA Professional Jason Greenaway, who has coached Matthew, added: “This is the fourth time I’ve been lucky enough to have a qualifier in this event, but the first time I’ve had a winner. It’s such an amazing experience and really gives our members an insight into what we do as PGA Pros and how TGI Golf helps us.
“Matthew played exceptionally well and will go back to the club and be able to tell his friends what a great experience he had at Celtic Manor. This event gives real added value to us as PGA Professionals. Thank you to Srixon and TGI Golf for an excellent day.”
Leslie Hepsworth, Srixon President added: “This really has been a fantastic success for all parties. It has been a pleasure to work with Eddie Reid and his team in delivering the event, and it is rewarding to hear such positive commentary from the participants. As a business, wewill continue to maintain our strong relationship with TGI Golf and its Partners.”
Adele McLean, TGI Golf Group Services Manager, said: “This event is an extremely rewarding one for us and our Partners, as it gives thousands of their customers the chance to play for some amazing prizes in their club medals as well as the opportunity to play at a prestigious venue such as Celtic Manor for the final.
“The feedback we receive from our Partners shows how well received it is and the consumers themselves are always blown away by the way they are made to feel like tour pros for the day.”
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