MARLBOROUGH’S Ben Amor was delighted that his father was able to see him follow in his footsteps by clinching the County Championship last weekend.

The 18-year-old recovered from a four-shot deficit following his first round (77) to secure a play-off against former county captain and Marlborough clubmate Jez Tomlinson with a second total of 71, with Amor holding his nerve to best Tomlinson over the 10th, 11th and 18th holes at Bowood Golf & Country Club.

Amor, who won the won the England U18s’ title last year, was thrilled to become Wiltshire champion a year younger than his father and Marlborough club professional Simon, who got his hands on the county title aged 19 in 1985.

And the teenager, who has his sights set on both the Amateur Championship and the English Strokeplay Championship next month, is hoping that his County Championship triumph sets him up for a successful summer.

“It was something that I wanted to try and win, just to get the ball rolling for the year – I came close last year before I was pipped by Jack Charman but this time, I managed to get over the line,” said Amor.

“I only found out afterwards that my dad had won it.

“He won it when he was 19 and I’m still 18, so it’s nice to get one over on him.

“He came to watch the second 18 – he doesn’t get to watch me play very often, so it made it a bit more special to have him there.

“I didn’t have the greatest morning round but I managed to claw it back.

“The play-off was really different because it was against Jez Tomlinson, who’s really good friends with my dad.

“He’s a good golfer but it was strange because it was like it was just the two of us out there playing, without anyone else there. Play-offs are usually really tense and you don’t say anything to your opponent but it wasn’t like that.

“I want to have a good year and this is a big confidence boost.”

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