He saved his team from defeat against Surrey at Hindhead, in their final South Division match of the season.
The 6-6 draw meant Surrey cannot overtake the defending champions when they play their final match against Kent, with Hampshire securing the division title for the 17th time in the competition’s history.
Burden had stressed in the build-up his team needed to go out with a positive mindset and play for the win –
avoiding any temptation to rely on a draw – a, drawing upon their familiarity with the picturesque heathland course, regarding it as very much a “home game.”
But with the eight singles matches heading around the turn, there were not too many home comforts for county coach Kevin Flynn, who was left on the radio with Hayling’s playing-captain in his own bubble, concentrating on his own game.
Having put himself out last, Burden at least had something of a buffer going three-up after the turn. But the match was on a knife edge, with Hampshire up in four and down in four.
Charlie Forster, who left Hindhead for Scotland to make his England debut in the Home Internationals at Murcar Links this week, won 2&1 after making a birdie at the 17th from 12 feet.
George Saunders, who won four holes in a row from the 11th – thanks to three birdies – to go two-up, then lost 16 and 17 to birdies from Max O’Hagan.
He needed a bogey from O’Hagan to win on the last while Jo Hacker completed a 4&3 win over junior Freddie Surgey, to briefly put Hampshire 5-2 up.
But minutes later, a limping Sam Parsons (Southsea) lost 7&5 to Palmer after suffering a painful toe mid-round – losing six holes in a row – and an-out-of-sorts Darren Walkley lost 3&2 to Luke Stock.
Former European Junior Open winner Joe Buenfeld lost the 17th and could only par the last against Nathan Woodham as the hosts made it 5-5.
Veteran Ryan Henley lost 3&2 to Derek Corben – last year’s English Mid-Amateur Champion – to put Surrey ahead.
Burden, who had won the ninth and 11th, sandwiching Alex Wells’ birdie on the 10th to go two-up, won the 12th with a par after last year’s England U18 Mixed Championship winner lost his ball.
After halving the 13th in birdie threes by making a five-footer, Burden saw his approach spin off the 14th green. But a chip halted a couple of inches from the hole as he went four-up.
He quickly sealed the win – and the title – by halving the 15th.
1. After losing their singles matchs, Liphook’s Darren Walkley (left) and Blackmoor GC’s Sam Parsons await the scores in the Hampshire v Surrey match in the South East League South Division, at Hindhead GC, on Sunday, August 4, 2024. COPYRIGHT ANDREW GRIFFIN / AMG PICTURES – NOT FOR SYNDICATION – FREE to use in prints online and in print of Hampshire Golf competitions and matches ONLY. For all other uses call 07773 8f8832 or email [email protected]
After losing their singles matchs, Hampshire pair Darren Walkley and Sam Parsons await the scores at Hindhead. Picture: Andrew Griffin Photo: -