Sprowston Manor captain Karl Diggens put local knowledge to good use as he claimed victory in the Norfolk Handicap Championship, staged on his home course.
Diggens, receiving nine strokes each round, fired net scores of 70 and 69 to finish on an overall total of three-under-par.
That left him two clear at the summit from Lawrence Bedson and fellow Sprowston Manor golfer Joseph Barrett.
Barrett had blazed the trail in the morning’s play, recording a net 66 to lie a shot ahead of Bawburgh’s Bedson.
Both remained in the hunt through a sun-baked second round, but it was Diggens who stood tall as the heat increased.
Teeing off from the 10th, he made gross birdies at the 13th – courtesy of a 25-foot putt – and 1st when already in receipt of a stroke at both holes.
And Diggens stretched his advantage by picking up further gains at his 15th and 16th, helping him get his hands on the Geoffrey Burroughs Salver.
Diggens said: “Winning the County Handicap was a proud moment for me. Having familiarity with the course at Sprowston definitely played a significant role. Knowing the intricacies of the greens and fairways gave me an edge.
“I’ve been a proud member at Sprowston for over 15 years and, at 49, this win is a testament to the dedication and passion I have for the sport.”
Bedson took the runner-up spot from Barrett as a result of posting a better afternoon round.
Warren Calasse, receiving a single stroke, played some excellent golf to bag fourth spot on an even-par net tally of 142.
The home club won the team event, thanks to Diggens, Barrett and Steve Cooper’s aggregate total of 437.
Norfolk County Golf Union president Bob Carrick said: “It was my first visit to Sprowston Manor and I was enormously impressed. We were warmly welcomed by everyone at the club and the course was in fine condition and extremely well presented. I will be back soon and would strongly recommend others to visit.”
Norfolk Handicap Championship (Sprowston Manor Golf Club) leading scores: 139: K Diggens (Sprowston Manor) 70 69. 141: L Bedson (Sprowston Manor) 67 74; J Barrett (Sprowston Manor). 142: W Calasse (Sprowston Manor) 70 72. 145: W Blackwell (Sprowston Manor) 70 75; K Doidge (Sprowston Manor) 70 75.
