James Lynch wins greenkeeping tournament

By Alistair December 25, 2022 09:12

West Sussex Golf Club greenkeeper James Lynch has won the BIGGA National Championship at the first attempt following two rounds of golf at Enville Golf Club.

The event was hosted by the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and was sponsored by Origin Amenity Solutions.

James pipped three-time winner David Simpson of Crieff Golf Club by a single stroke on Enville’s Highgate course in Staffordshire.

Playing in his first BIGGA National Championship, James shot two rounds of 74 to card a four-over par 148, with David shooting 149 and previous winner Oly Browning of Queenwood Golf Club shooting 150.

In the Stableford competition, Tyler Holmes came out on top after shooting a combined total of 73 points. Anthony Duffield of Ham Manor Golf Club was second with 68 points.

James was accompanied throughout the two rounds by his fiancée April Watkins. The pair are due to marry in August next year, but with James set to defend the championship at Saunton Golf Club next September, he will have to convince April that Devon is a nice place to enjoy their honeymoon.

A scratch golfer, James said: “It feels amazing and I’m so happy to have won such a prestigious tournament. It’s my first year that I’ve been playing in it and it was a battle to the end. The lead changed hands throughout the round and I’m so relieved that I was able to win. My thanks go to BIGGA, Origin Amenity Solutions and Enville Golf Club for hosting such an amazing tournament.”

Andy Wood, golf course manager at Enville Golf Club, said: “We always enjoy preparing the course for a championship, but to host this prestigious event for fellow greenkeepers is a real honour and I hope everyone enjoyed their visit to Enville. Our greenkeeping team has done the club proud in setting up for this event, which gave them an opportunity to showcase their work to fellow professionals.”

On behalf of Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS), Glen Howard added: “It is a privilege to sponsor the BIGGA National Championship, which brings together golfers of all standards from across the association. It gives us an opportunity to catch up with people from within the industry, which I and the rest of the OAS team find invaluable. Congratulations to all the trophy winners, thank you to Enville Golf Club for a warm welcome and well done to all involved, particularly the greenkeeping team, who did a superb job.”