Zac Mudford Wins English Men’s County Champion of Champions Title

Dorset’s Zac Mudford was the winner of the Men’s County Champion of Champions after a thrilling three-way play-off at Woodhall Spa’s Hotchkin Course, prevailing on the second extra hole following a gripping finish to the 36-hole championship.

Mudford, Rio Saigal (Hertfordshire) and Sam Done (Lincolnshire) could not be separated after regulation play, all finishing on 6-under-par and forcing the championship into a sudden-death play-off.

Mudford and Saigal both carded rounds of 71 (-2) and 69 (-4) to post their 6-under totals, while Done produced remarkable consistency with two rounds of 70 (-3).

The trio comfortably negotiated the opening play-off hole with pars, sending the contest down the second extra hole.

It was there that Mudford produced the decisive moment. After missing the green with his approach, the Dorset player showed impressive composure and touch around the greens to get up and down for a birdie. Both Saigal and Done were only able to make par, handing Mudford the title and bringing a memorable championship to a dramatic conclusion.

He said: “It means everything! It’s the first big event I’ve ever won. There’s some great names on the trophy, so it feels good!”

Just outside the play-off was Leo Cahi of Sussex, who was looking to add the Men’s County Champion of Champions crown to the Boys’ County Champion of Champions title he won last year.

Making the step up to the men’s event, Cahi mounted a strong challenge with rounds of 70 (-3) and 72 (-1), finishing in 4th on 4-under-par, narrowly missing the chance to compete in the play-off.

For final leaderboard click here.

Photo above: Zac Mudford with trophy. (Photo: England Golf/Leaderboard Photography).