IT was a moment to savour as former captain Tony McClusky lifted the flagship major of the season at Stamford Golf Club, Captain’s Weekend.
“As a past captain, this achievement will go down as the finest major trophy I’ve ever won,” he explained.
“To have stood for this magical club as captain, and then to stamp my name on the trophy winners list too, it’s a dream come true.
“It was also special as captain Anthony Sharples and I are good friends.”
Tony returned nett rounds of 64 and 67 off a handicap of nine for 131 over the two days as he landed his ninth major, but first success at Captain’s Weekend.
He won by a margin of two shots from runner-up David Walker who had 62 and 71 for 133.
Tony, who has his own kitchen and bedroom supplier and fitting firm, pinpointed the exceptional finish to the second round as being pivotal to his victory as he scored gross birdie, birdie, par with 2,4,3.
“The strong finish made the difference,” explained Tony, 59, who has been a member for 32 years and was captain in 2019.
Tony’s success has seen his handicap slashed to 6.6 which means he is playing off seven.
“It’s the lowest I have even been. Usually at my age it starts creeping up, not going down,” he said.
“For the last 10-15 years I have been mainly playing off between 10 and 12. There have been a couple of times I have been in single figures for a short time.
“Any golfer strives to get a single-figure handicap, and this has the longest I have been at that level.”
In third place was Stephen Lennon, another former captain, with 65 and 69 for 134.
Michael Shockledge (66 and 69 for 135) was fourth while fifth place went to Andy Thistleton (66 and 70 for 136).