Marsh is English amateur champion

The 19-year-old won the English Amateur Championship at Saunton Golf Club, Devon yesterday, beating Scott Gregory from Corhampton Golf Club 2 & 1 in the 36-hole matchplay final.

Marsh, a former member of the Lightcliffe and Elland clubs before switching to Huddersfield, had qualified in second place out of 288 entrants from the strokeplay competition.

The former “Halifax Courier” young sportsman of the year then won six head-to-head contests and led throughout the final.

“It’s unbelievable - I woke up with a smile on my face this morning,” said Marsh today.

“I’ve worked hard all year and I’ve been knocking on the door recently.

“I knew my game had come together and it is a great feeling.”

It was also a special moment for the Marsh family. Dad David, who develops and operates some of the world’s most fabulous golf courses, was back from Sudan on holiday and on Nick’s bag all week while mum Joanne was up at 3.30am yesterday to drive down for the final.

It was a jubilant party which arrived back in West Yorkshire at 2.0am today.

Nick, who won the Scottish Youths Open title by 12 shots at St Andrews recently, was due to return to the home of golf this week.

However, having played 199 holes in Devon in the last few days, including practice, he is giving the European Amateur Championships a miss.

“I need a rest - it is time to recharge my batteries,” said the England squad member, who plays off plus five.