CHRIS LONE has joined a very select group at York Golf Club.

The three-handicapper's victory in the scratch knockout final over Alistair Nicol earlier this week made him only the third golfer in the club's 125 year history to claim the double of club championship medal and knockout titles.

Lone, who joined the Strensall course from Fulford this season, produced a feat only previously managed by Stephen East (1978) and Dave Holder (1999, 2001 and 2002), who also held both crowns at the same time.

"I shot 77 in the morning (in the medal) and was five behind going into the second round. I had 72 in the afternoon and went into a 18-hole play-off against Adrian Lount," he said. "We played it at the York Rose Bowl and I shot 73 and 73 there. The top 16 scores from the scratch go into the knockout and I had to win four matches.

"The final was over 36 holes and I beat Alistair 3&2. It was a cracking game - really close run. It is pretty special (to be only the third place to win both). I didn't really have any expectations in my first year. Now I have to follow it up."

Mike Wells, York club secretary, said: "We were delighted when he came across and joined us this year. He has proven himself to be a very good player through his time here."