ONE golfer most definitely not downcast when the York Union Open Championship was swamped away by a deluge was Jamie Miller.

The Fulford Golf Club ace, who captured his third Open Championship crown when the tournament was re-staged at The Oaks GC, was on holiday when torrential downpours wiped out the first go two months ago.

Recalled the former European Tour pro: “I was away on holiday in Devon when it was first played.

“When I got back I asked one of my friends who had won the York Open and he said it was postponed because of the bad weather.

“I thought ‘I’ll be able to play in it now’, so to win last weekend was a real big Brucie (bonus).”

Miller’s conquest – he also won the esteemed York Union of Golf Clubs’ crown in 2006 and 2009 – was completed in fine style.

He produced a sparkling two-round show totalling seven-under-par after rounds of 67 and 70 to win by one shot from fellow Fulford club-mate Damon Coulson (71 67) and Tour professional John Mellor (68 70).

They were the only three players to finish below-par with fourth place taken by Malton & Norton GC’s David Hague with a level-par 144 (71 73). All the remaining 37 players finished above par.

Miller actually started with a three-putt bogey on the opening hole. “I was chuntering away to myself down to the next tee, but then I realised I hadn’t even putted for a week, so I told myself not to be too hard on myself and get on with it.

“It proved to be a great round, very enjoyable.”

Miller was part of the event’s big three all put together – himself, joint runner-up Mellor and several-time champion Martin Brown, the Pike Hills GC star.

“I’m mates with Brownie and I’ve known John for years,” said the new Open champion. “In fact the last time we played together was in a practice round for Tour School back in 1997 when Graham Walker (now head teaching pro at The Oaks GC) was caddying for John.

“It was a really good day for me at The Oaks. I putted really well and the course was in fantastic condition. It was definitely a good job – for me – that it was called off.”

Miller was locked in a titanic tussle with Mellor and by the turn of the afternoon they were all square.

Mellor bogeyed ten, both birdied 12, Mellor birdied 13 to go level again, but Miller regained his lead with a birdie on 14.

Miller finished the final four holes in regulation to finish with a 70, with Mellor missing a birdie putt on the last to tie.

However, the title was not yet settled as Miller’s Fulford club-mate Coulson was still to finish.

Two under at the turn, he added birdies at the 13th and 16th. He needed an eagle at the last to tie Miller and force a play-off, but could only muster a birdie to finish with a 67, level with Mellor but gaining second place because of his better second round.

Miller’s moment was sweetened further when his dad John, and brother Kevin, themselves both former Open champions, saw the final few holes to cheer on yet more success for York’s Miller dynasty.

“It was great they could be there, especially with Kevin bringing his kids along as well. It was good craic and it was a great celebration afterwards,” said the man in Devon when the heavens originally opened back in York.