England Golf: It’s silver for England in Mexico

Alfie Plant’s six-foot birdie on the final hole gave England the silver medal at the World Amateur Team Championship in Mexico.

The team, of Yorkshire’s Jamie Bower, Hampshire’s Scott Gregory and Kent-based Plant, finished on 19-under-par as England recorded their best ever result in the Eisenhower Trophy.

Plant, who tied third in the individual competition on 12 under, knew what he had to do as he stood over his putt on the 72^nd hole of competition.

“Once I knew I had to make the putt for birdie, I just went through my routine to make sure you make the best putt you can, and it just went in,” said Plant (Sundridge Park), who made seven birdies in his final round of five-under 66.

“It’s been a great week, we’ve recorded our highest finish in the event as a team, and I’m playing good golf as well. It’s great to get up on the stage for a medal.”

England captain Kevin Tucker added: “We’re absolutely delighted, the good thing is that all three players have contributed. It’s the first time England has medalled and we’re over the moon.”

The championship was won in style by Australia who were 38-under. Austria and Ireland tied third a stroke behind England.

“The boys did a great job,” said Nigel Edwards, England Golf performance director.

“It was a great team effort and we’re very pleased as we had an awful lot of work to do after two rounds.”

After the first round England were tied 11th on three-under, with counting rounds of 69 from Plant and 70 from Gregory (Corhampton), the 2016 Amateur Champion and world number seven.

In the second round, Gregory’s 70 and Bower’s 71 moved the team into a share of eighth place on six-under, 13 shots behind new leaders Australia and five behind second-placed USA.

In the third round they jumped up to fourth on 13-under, with scores of 70 from Gregory and 67 from Plant, who gave the team a boost with an 18th hole birdie.

By then, the Australians were on 32-under and clearly heading for the title, but England were only three shots behind second place.

In the final round it fell to Bower, the Brabazon Trophy champion from Meltham, and Plant, the Lytham Trophy winner, to provide England’s counting scores of 70 and 66 respectively.

Yorkshire, meanwhile, won the English Men’s County Championship for the 21st time, beating Hampshire 5.5-3.5 in a final day showdown at Sandwell Park in Staffordshire.

It is their first victory for nine years.

Team captain Darryl Berry, who has previously played in two winning sides, said: “This is great for the team and for all our supporters. It’s been a brilliant team effort, the lads have been great.”

Yorkshire set up their win with a great foursomes performances, winning 2.5 of the three available points.

Yorkshire picture courtesy of Leaderboard Photography