A FOURTH York Union of Golf Clubs' matchplay title has sent Martin Brown into the off-season with soaring confidence.

The Pike Hills GC stalwart defeated defending champion David Hague 2&1 in the final at York GC in a thrilling match which pitted one of the union's most experienced competitors against one of its brightest up and coming stars.

Brown defeated York's Steve Arundel in his opening round game at Forest Park GC and then had to produce his best to get past 16-year-old Ciaran Matthews, of Sandburn Hall, to reach the final after the youngster held parity after the first nine holes.

Malton & Norton GC's Hague got a bye after a no-show from Jim Batt Jnr and then defeated Ben Statters 6&5 in the semi-final to reach the showpiece match.

And though York Amateur champion Brown looked back on a round where he missed a number of mid-range putts, he ground out the victory in his last tournament of the 2015 campaign.

"I didn't putt well in the final," he said. "I missed loads of putts for birdies within ten feet but I just stuck at it and ground it out. He made a few mistakes and I capitalised on them. You just don't rush into things.

"If you are one down, who cares? If you are two down - just treat each hole as it comes and try and get a birdie or a par. You can even win a hole with a bogey."

He added of his progress: "Young Ciaran played well and, after nine, I was quite shocked that it was all-square or that I was one down. I did have to knuckle down and that probably woke me up a bit. I was one down against David in the afternoon, ground it out and got in front.

"I will text my coach, Greg Hyde from Sheffield, and work on fitness, my swing and go from there. Hopefully I will have a good year next year. I am still looking to turn professional and to gain sponsorship.

"I did well this year. I played the English Amateur and made the cut, before getting knocked out in the matchplay. I made the cut at the Brabazon and finished fourth at the Westwood Trophy. I have had a good season and I wanted to finish off at plus three - but it is nice to get a win."

Hague, whose late season surge has brought Mackenzie Salver and club championship glory, said: "Martin played very well and putts didn't drop in the afternoon for me. He played better and won. I got a bye in the opening game and played decently for a 6&5 win against Ben.

"I hit it quite well from tee to green in the final but it was putting to blame. I think that got me to second in the order of merit for the year so to get to the final again is very good."

To help Brown achieve his professional ambitions, potential sponsors can contact him by emailing browncow2610@gmail.com