GOLFING records in York Union history have been blasted apart by the scintillating stroke-play of Pike Hills GC ace Martin Brown.

For the first time in York Union of Golf Clubs' history one man has carried off the three major prizes - the York Amateur title, the York Open championship, and to complete the 'teerrific' treble, the Match-play title.

In the aftermath of his trophy-tinged triple, Brown revealed that during last winter's coaching sessions with Malton GC professional Steve Brown he confided to the esteemed Malton professional how he would love to amass the York Union treble.

"I did say it then, but I never really believed I could do it. Now it's all come true and I am so thrilled," plumber Brown told the Evening Press with a modesty belying the sheer eminence of his ace achievement.

The York golfing fraternity was stunned when the 24-year-old Brown won the first two of that triple crown. That made him the first York golfer to achieve that feat for more than 30 years.

But he was to surpass even that distinction in York golf-lore when he added the match-play crown.

Fittingly the final leg was completed on his own Pike Hills course and in a final that blazed with dazzling scores from both himself and his Fulford GC opponent Matthew Lord.

Lord, who earlier in the day had toppled Heworth GC's Steve Lockwood 3 and 2, opened the final with a birdie and an eagle.

But Brown, 2 and 1 conqueror of David Holder of York GC in their semi-final, was not going to be outdone or outshone. He then rattled in no fewer than six birdies in the next nine holes, including picking up shots on the sixth, seventh and eighth holes.

He led by four at the turn and when he increased his advantage with birdies on the 11th and 14th holes, the title was his as an emphatic 6 and 4 winner.

"It's been hard work and a bit of a juggling act, especially with looking after my young son Marty and work and also playing for Yorkshire this season. But I think having all the other stuff going on has actually helped me with the golf, because it's been so much more fun to play," said the triple champion.

Again he paid tribute to the tuition he has had from both Robinson and Graham Walker, the pro at The Oaks GC.

Brown said he intended to call on both during this coming winter to further hone his game.

"After doing so well in York, it would be great if I could win some Yorkshire events," said the man who swung into York golfing legend. So watch out Yorkshire.

Updated: 10:43 Saturday, October 02, 2004