Goodwood ace lands Sunningdale prize

Marco Penge teamed up with Sophie Lamb to win the prestigious Sunningdale Foursomes match play tournament.
Marco Penge, right, and Sophie Lamb. Picture: Kevin DissMarco Penge, right, and Sophie Lamb. Picture: Kevin Diss
Marco Penge, right, and Sophie Lamb. Picture: Kevin Diss

The Golf At Goodwood ambassador overcame food poisoning on the last day to seal success in the final.

Penge and Lamb, who was making her debut in the event, won the first match on the 20th hole before making impressive progress through the four-day competition.

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They claimed round two with a 4&3 score before taking round three with a resounding 7&6 victory.

Round four was won 4&2, followed by a strong 6&5 in the quarters to make the semi-finals.

After fog delayed the start of the final day, the duo defeated John Kemp and Mark Wharton 3&2 to take their place in the final for the first time.

Penge and Lamb then produced some terrific golf to beat experienced duo Lewis Atkinson and Scott Marshall 5&4 to lift the trophy.

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Penge said: ‘I have played in the event twice before with different playing partners.

‘I reached the semi-finals both times, so this year I was determined to make it third time lucky.

‘We closed the game out on the 15th hole. They hit a great shot into the green and Sophie had hit our ball to the rough just off the green.

‘I then chipped in and it was game over. We were the champions!

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‘I was still feeling ill and didn’t really show any emotion but now I am feeling better, I’m so pleased we won.

‘We really enjoyed the experience and can’t wait to see our names on the Champions board at Sunningdale.’

Stuart Gillett, Golf At Goodwood general manager, expressed the club’s pride.

He added: ‘We are delighted for Marco.

‘It is a huge win for him and Sophie and showed why he is regarded as one of the leading talents in British golf.

‘We are so proud of Marco and how he carries himself.

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‘This was typified with him making time to talk to one of our juniors – who had travelled up after school just to watch the closing stages of the final – after he had won.

‘He is an inspiration to the other up and coming juniors we have at Goodwood.’

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