Workington golfer Will Bowe was crowned English Men’s County Champion of Champions at the ninth attempt.

West Cumbrian Bowe headed down to Woodhall Spa Golf Club in Lincolnshire for the best-of-the-best tournament on Sunday, which he had qualified for after winning the Cumbria strokeplay championship at Carlisle Golf Club in June.

And the nine-time county champion carded an overall score of five under after 36 holes to finally take the trophy he’d been wanting to win for almost a decade.

“I’ve been down there quite a few times and I’ve been close to it quite a few years, so to finally get over the line and win it, I’m over the moon,” said the 32-year-old.

“It is always one of my goals every time I go down there. I’ve always said it’s been one of my targets. I’ve always gone there and given it 100% and sometimes you don’t quite play as well as you’d like to, but on Sunday everything fell my way.

“You do need a bit of luck with it as well and over the years maybe I haven’t had that, but I think it happened my way this time.”

The Workington Golf Club man staged a late fightback to take the title, having dropped back to level par on the 13th hole of his afternoon session.

However, birdies on the 16th and 17th holes took him back into contention on two under for the day, and a three-foot putt for par on the final hole ensured the victory as he finished one shot ahead of Ian Kenwright and James Reeson.

“I was quite pleased with the way I came back, because I’d dropped a few stupid shots before the 14th,” said Bowe.

“Luckily there was a bit of a hold-up on the 14th tee, so I had time to calm down and compose myself a bit.

“I’ve been wanting to win it for a long time, and folk have been saying ‘it’s about time you won it’, and I’ve known that myself, so luckily I did manage to play well and I’m chuffed to bits.

“To have beaten every county champion in England is a great achievement.”

Bowe will now look to build on his fine recent form when he travels to County Durham to take part in the English Champion Club tournament at Branspeth Castle this weekend.

He will be part of a three-man team representing Workington in the competition, where a win would see them book their trip to Cyprus to represent England at the European Champion Club tournament.

“A few years ago we won it and ended up going to play in the European final in Turkey, so we’ll give it our best shot,” said Bowe.

“I’m pleased with the way I’m playing at the minute and hopefully we can go over there and perform.”