Golf At Goodwood ambassador Marco Penge and his partner Sophie Lamb won the prestigious Sunningdale Foursomes match play tournament on Friday 11 March, proving once again that the young amateur’s career is on an upward curve.
MAR 15th 2016
Emphatic win in Sunningdale Foursomes for Marco Penge
The couple had not played together competitively before the tournament and it was Lamb’s first appearance at the Sunningdale Foursomes. Their task was made even more difficult when Penge was hit with food poisoning on the last day, but his resilience was clear as he chipped in to claim victory in the final.
The pair won the first match on the 20th hole before making impressive progress throughout the four-day competition. They claimed round two with a 4&3 score, before taking round three with a resounding 7&6 victory. Round four was won 4&2, followed by a strong 6&5 in the quarters to make the semi-finals.
After fog delayed the start of the final day, the duo defeated John Kemp and Mark Wharton 3&2 to take their place in the final for the first time – Penge having made the semi-finals for the previous two years.
With time against them, both teams had to make a quick turn-around to get back out on course for the final. Playing against the experienced pairing of Lewis Atkinson and Scott Marshall, Penge and Lamb played some terrific golf to land the tournament with an emphatic 5&4 victory.
“We closed the game out on the 15th hole [in the final]. They [Atkinson and Marshall] had hit a great shot into the green and Sophie had hit our ball to the rough just off the green. I then chipped in and it was game over. We were the champions! I was still feeling ill and didn't really show any emotion as I just wanted to get back to the clubhouse.
“Now I am feeling better I am so pleased that Sophie and I have won this tournament together. We really enjoyed the experience and can't wait to see our names on the Champions board at Sunningdale. We may possibly be the youngest pairing to have won it (aged 17 and 18).”
Stuart Gillett, Golf At Goodwood General Manager, said; “We are delighted that after two years getting to the semi-finals Marco has won this event. It is a huge win for him and Sophie and he showed why he is regarded as one of the leading talents in British golf.
“We are so proud of Marco and how he carries himself on and off the course and this was typified with him making the time to talk to one of our Juniors – who had travelled up after school just to watch the closing stages of the final – after he had won. He is an inspiration to the other up and coming juniors we have at Goodwood.
“I am sure this will prove to be a springboard for him for the remainder of the season. We are looking forward to celebrating with him when he attends our Academy Open Weekend on the 2 – 3 April, where he will be sharing his thoughts on success and demonstrating his ability on the range.”
For more information on Marco Penge click here.
Photography credit – Kevin Diss.