Golf News: - Posted 1st August 1998

Sanders wins English Amateur title in convincing style

Woodhall Spa - Mark Sanders is the new English Amateur golf champion after a comprehensive six and five victory over Simon Gorry in the 36-hole final at Woodhall Spa.

Sanders, a 23-year-old Gloucestershire County player from the Bristol and Clifton club, can now look forward to playing at the top of the order for England in next month's home internationals at Royal Porthcawl.

Sudbury's Gorry, just 18 years old, finally ran out of steam during the afternoon but can take plenty of consolation from what has been undoubtedly the best week of his young career.

After the first 18 holes Sanders was only one up, and that after going three down at the seventh.

But following the first two holes of the afternoon, Sanders made his decisive move.

He won the next two, including the fourth with a monster 50-foot putt, to go three up and Gorry never recovered.

Sanders finished in style with a birdie three at the 13th and said: "It hasn't sunk in yet.

"All week I have tried to play percentage golf, make as many pars as possible and put the pressure on my opponents," added Sanders, who is coached by Gordon Brand Snr and regularly plays with European tour member Gordon Brand Jnr.