What A Sport! James’s Gesture Costs Him Lytham Trophy

By Hamish Stuart

An outstanding piece of sportsmanship may have cost James Ashfield The Lytham Trophy, but still Welsh golfers showed they are in form to compete with the best in Europe.

The European Nations Cup champion called a foul against himself on the 18th hole of the final round, the one shot penalty putting him into a three way play-off instead of a one shot victory.

Up against Wales teammate Tomi Bowen, Welshpool, and England’s Will Hopkins in the play-off, it was the Englishman who came out on top after three extra holes.

https://twitter.com/wales_golf/status/1787183076021338293

“I was nursing a wrist injury in the last couple of rounds at Lytham, hopefully that will be OK for the start of the Blackstar on Friday.

“I played my first EuroPro Tour event there and had a hole in one, so I have some good memories there. The prize of four Challenge Tour starts is a big one for me.

“It will be a good opportunity to gain experience and if I did well then it could kickstart my professional career.”

Ashfield’s sportsmanship deserves a reward, maybe it will come this week.