JOHN Swithenby claimed the 27-hole top prize in a tense finale at Cleobury Mortimer President’s Day.

The event, which affords competitors the opportunity to play all three nines in one day, attracted more than 70 players threw up a mixed bag of results as a host of new names made their way on to the various trophies.

A steady array of scores drifted in throughout the day but it was not until the last few groups started to come in that significant changes started to appear on the leaderboard.

Jim Clifford carded a pleasing net 33 on Deer Park to take home the nine-hole trophy, while Lewis Hodges carded a gross 85, net 66, to take home the 18-hole accolade.

But the day belonged to Swithenby with a tremendous comeback.

After the first nine holes, Swithenby was eight-over par with a seemingly insurmountable task in front of him.

However, a scintillating one-over gross 72 turned the tide and not only secured the silverware but also chopped two from his handicap.

Cleobury Mortimer professional Dave Pain quipped: “Maybe it was the bacon sandwich after the first nine holes, maybe it was the start of the Premier League season that got John in the zone. Whatever it was, he played some flawless golf.”

In the ladies’ competition, Helen Watson took top spot by edging out Marj Hughes by one shot in the tightest of finishes.

Both players matched each other shot for shot over the last five holes but Watson held out.

The event was played out in bright sunshine, making for a great day in honour of club president Tom Straughton.