Chris was facing 7100 yards of one of the best courses in the UK, inland or links, along with 256 others and the standards of player has risen significantly in the past few years with players of the calibre of our own David Harris not able to get into the draw because his UK handicap is not low enough (scratch).

Round 1 and Chris was under par in winning 4&3 – he made just two birdies during the 15 holes showing the calibre of golf course used for this Championship.

Round 2 and Chris won by the same score, again under par (-2).

Round 3 and Chris drove perfectly when playing ex pro Neil Connolly and winning 4&2 –

‘It had to be great from the tee – he is a quality player and it was nip and tuck all the way until the end when I played some real pressure shots.’

Round 4 and Chris did not play was well as he had in previous days – he was still under par though in another 4&2 win.

Round 5 and Chris was playing Sam Osborne, and it was a big gallery following them including England selectors aplenty.

‘It was just incredible how far he hits it – 40-50 yards past me’, said Chris.

Chris was in control up until the 16th when he lost that hole to a five after missing the green long. On the 17th, Heath smashed his second onto the green and holed a 15ft eagle putt and then took the 18th when Chris made and error with his approach.

So to the extra holes and on the 20th, Heath’s approach hit the lip of a bunker and rolled back to leave him little chance of making par (which he did not) so Chris two putted to go through.

The Quarter Final

Chris wasn’t feeling as strong as he had been (no wonder) but was playing solidly until the 16th where he again went over the back, this time a flyer with a 9-iron approach.

Chris hit two good shots to the 18th, laying up short with a three wood then pitching to 8ft. His opponent found the back of the green in three (from the rough) only to chip in for a birdie, leaving Chris to make his four to stay all square. Chris missed and then took five at the last to bow out of the Championship –

Great golf though Chris!