Pirbright Delight For Andy

Andy Roberts successfully managed to defend his Roberts Golf crown at Pirbright's Par-3 course on Saturday with a two-shot victory over his father James.

The 22-year-old claimed his third successive title emulating the feat of Douglas back in 1989, for a fifth championship win following a round of 60.

It was a tale of two halves for Andy as he fired a sensational opening nine-hole total of 28 to lead by three shots going into the break, clinching the nearest-the-pin trophy in the process.

But as darkness fell over the horizon, along with many of the chasing pack's chances, Andy stumbled home over the closing holes to set up a tense finish with his elder.

James, father to Andy and eight times record-holder, looked determined to claw back the three-shot deficit on the back nine with four successive pars to close to within a shot of the lead.

But the 51-year-old found trouble on the 15th when his ball landed in the reeds, and without the aid of a buddha, it resulted in a double-bogey five.

After both players parred the 16th, Andy held a comfortable lead heading into the final two holes and despite finding problems on the 17th, held on to seal his name on the silver trophy.

Surprise entrant John closed with a superb back nine to finish in third with a round of 71, while Matt and Chris battled it out for a share of fourth-place with a score of 74.

Pete may not have wowed the crowds with his golf clubs but certainly captured their imagination with choice of shirt and he carded a respectable round of 75.

After a heavy drinking session the night before, it was a surprise to most to see Douglas in the final group - but it soon caught up with him and he brought up the rear on 76.

The 2010 champion said: "It is a great honour to win this trophy for the fifth time and I want to thank everyone for making the event, especially John at last minute."

"It was a great battle with my dad on the final few holes and a bit like last year, we moved away from the chasing pack.

"I was pleased to see my brother Chris finish in a tie for fourth which was his goal at the start of the day, and also John for shooting a fantastic inward nine.

"I thought Matt played particularly well, Pete and Doug had their moments of brilliance and Kat did a good job of keeping John's irons clean!"

The five-time champion also paid tribute to the event's history which began back in 1984 won by Dave.

"The reason we continue to play this thing is not only because we are the most competitive family in the world but really because of Granny and Grandpa, and with everything that has happened this year I would just like to dedicate this one to Grandpa Roberts," added the champion.