STEPHEN Creed, from Stratford-on-Avon, won the English Senior Men’s Amateur Championship for the first time at Luffenham Heath Golf Club.
Creed overcame 2021 stroke play champion Rupert Kellock in the final after taking an early lead at the second hole, eventually clinching the title on the 18th green.
The 58-year-old admitted it was an emotional victory with his mother currently receiving end-of-life care.
Creed said: “I’m absolutely over the moon. It has taken a lot of dedication and hard work to get to this point and to win a national final is an amazing feeling.
“My mother is 98-years-old and she’s now receiving end-of-life care so I hope she’d be proud of me today and I’d like to think this is a great way to say thank you to her for all her support over the years.
“When I was younger, my mother wanted me to have something to do so my uncle gave me a set of clubs and balls and I used to just have a hit down in the bottom field.
“It’s a wonderful feeling to be standing here with this trophy in my hands and I’m so grateful to all my family for their support.
“Even in the final I made a few mistakes but I was lucky at times that Rupert didn’t punish those and I ended up with the win and the chance to stand here with this trophy.
“To win a national competition has been a long time in the making for me and it truly is a proud day for me and for all my family.”
Creed held his nerve to seal victory on the final hole in front of the clubhouse after passing up an opportunity to secure the title at the 17th.
The Stratford golfer produced a stunning performance to beat Edward Richardson five and four in the semi-final earlier in the day, winning four consecutive holes to advance to the final.
