DEAN Carpenter’s victory at the Cleobury Mortimer Golf Club Championship came as something of a surprise – so much so he was shocked himself.

Carpenter emerged as the gross champion in the club’s biggest event of the year which was reduced to 18 holes after some poor weather on Saturday.

Despite being the first player to post a competitive score, Carpenter still believed he would come up short but remained top of the pile with just the final group to play.

His sternest challenge came from that last flurry of players with Jack Severn going slightly long on the fringe of the green in search of the birdie he believed he would need to force a play-off.

Josh Rowbotham fell inches short of the fairway bunker and in the end, neither player could quite muster enough to topple the early leader.

Carpenter said: “I haven’t been playing any good golf recently so to turn up and shoot the winning score is a massive confidence boost.”

In the net competition, a steady number of 71 and 72 scores rolled in throughout the day until Lee Glasby swooped to take top billing.

After a slow start, Glasby turned on the style and shot the last seven holes in one under par to help him finish on 68 and win by three.

Director of golf Dave Pain said: “Lee has been playing some great golf all season and to see him win a Cleobury major is fantastic.

“He is a massive supporter of the club and regularly represents us in competitions and pro-ams so I was absolutely delighted for him.

“It has been a great year for Lee on the course and he has dropped his handicap considerably as well as always playing with a smile on his face.”

Andy Young was second ahead of John Gittens, Rob Winnall, Ash Cook and Simon Eades.

Elsewhere, George Watton’s fantastic 44 secured the top prize at Ludlow Golf Club’s president’s day.

Dave Fish continued his excellent run of form to return the best gross score of the day with a round of four under, while second net was awarded to Oliver Lewis with a score of 39. Second gross was won by Darren Humphries with a par round.

The winning senior was Ivan Goddard on 38 points, three clear of runner-up David Davis. Julie Fullerton returned the best ladies score with a solid 34 with second place going to Jo Brooks on 28. Nathan Herdsfield won the Croxton Cup for the best junior with a strong score of 39.

Eddie Rowland had officials thumbing the record books after his three-under gross won the senior roll-up.

Rowland’s 67 gross is thought to be the best score from a Ludlow senior with the club keen to hear from anyone who knows of a performance that tops it.

He finished some nine shots clear of the field with Eric Waters, Barry Jewitt, Bill Billson, Bryan Jones and Paul Dougan all tied on 36.