Wo hing duo

spring a surprise at Father & Sons Foursomes

Worthing Golf Club’s Pat and Jack Ashby had their week of their gol ng lives as they beat two former winners on their way to claiming the prestigious Father & Sons Foursomes at West Hill Golf Club in Surrey.

Taking part in the seven-round knockout for the third time, the Worthing duo overcame the 2021 champions in the rst round and then disposed of last year’s winners Andrew and Tristan Greenleaf in the quarternals on their way to beating Surrey’s Nigel and Chris Gray 3&1 in the nal.

With Jack only having played once this year at Worthing, the duo travelled to West Hill with little expectation and dad Pat even made arrangements to do something else on the following day as the pair had never previously got past the second round, winning once on their debut two years ago, before losing in the rst round in 2022.

“I am still a bit stunned,” said Pat after lifting the trophy. “It was all a bit surreal. When we saw the draw we just came with little expectations, especially as Jack’s last competitive round was on December 29. But we rode the rollercoaster and felt very relaxed and calm when we got to the nal. It helped that Nigel and Chris were great company.”

Pat also picked out two long iron shots from Jack in the last 16/8 matches as pivotal moments. In both ties they teed o 18 level with twohandicapper Jack hitting a 220-yard ve iron to eight feet to set up safe passage into the quarter- nals and then, in the afternoon, he struck a 240-yard 3-iron to four feet to e ectively decide the match with the reigning champions.

Pat was in ne form with his putter and his e orts on the greens throughout all seven rounds were also a major factor in their success.

“Two years ago I switched to the claw grip from a traditional grip and it made a massive di erence,” added the 13 handicapper. “And I don’t think I have ever putted as well as I did this week. I have never played seven rounds in four days, so my feet were a bit sore, but it was such a great week and everyone at West Hill was so welcoming and friendly.”

The Father & Sons Foursomes dates back to 1931, with the likes Tyrrell Hatton and US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick having played in the event with their dads en route to their successful careers as tour players.