Golf: Matchplay pair reach top of golfing pyramid

May 16 2008 by Alec Doyle, Chester Chronicle

TWO teenagers capped a dream golf trip to Egypt by capturing a national title.

James Lightfoot, of Upton, and Michael Brockbank, from Malpas, won the Men’s Matchplay Championship at the five-star golf resort of Marriott Taba Heights on the coast of the Red Sea.

The pair qualified as two of 16 pairs from across the UK and Ireland to jet off to Egypt and take part in a 54-hole Stableford competition.

James, a 19-year-old member of Upton-by-Chester Golf Club, plays off a handicap of eight, while Michael, 18, plays off 14 and is a member at De Vere Carden Park.

James, who brightened up the event with his colourful Ian Poulter-esque clothing, said: “We have both had the time of our lives – the hotel, food, course and location are just perfect.

“To play well and go on to win the Matchplay Championship is really just the icing on the cake.”

Michael delayed his return to university by a week to play in the final.

“I really don’t think it has sunk in yet,” he said. “The whole experience has been incredible and the resort is absolutely fantastic.

Some tremendous early golf from the pair set the scene for their victory. In the opening two days, they built a 13-point lead over their closest rivals with scores of 45 and 48. They completed their impressive tally with a score of 40 on the last day to win by a comfortable 12 points.

James and Michael’s road to Egypt began last July when they were two of 1,600 golfers who entered the Matchplay Championship.

For the final, the top 16 qualifying pairs were rewarded with a trip to Egypt.

The region experienced a heat wave while the tournament was being played and temperatures soared to 110°F on the last day of the competition.

Entries for the 2008-09 competition are being invited. Golfers have until the end of June to enter before competition begins in July.

The championship costs £20 per person to enter. Entries can be completed by going online at www.matchplaychampionship.co.uk