SHIPLEY Golf Club's Dan Thomas scooped the prestigious Yorkshire Amateur Matchplay trophy following a nailbiting final, admitting afterwards that competitive golf is the only chance he gets to pick up his clubs these days.

Thomas has his own business and with three children under the age of four too, he says there is little time in his life for any practice rounds.

Fortunately, he didn't need the practice ahead of the Matchplay tournament at Woodsome Hall in Huddersfield, winning a tight, rain-affected semi-final against Adam Walker, before defeating young George Robson in a final that went all the way to the 20th hole.

Speaking to the T&A after his epic victory, Thomas laughed: "It's back to reality now. I've been doing my asbestos removal work all day.

"I've got my own business now and three young kids that are three, two and one, so I don't get to practice. The only time I get my clubs out is in competitions.

"I've just ordered a new set though so I'm clearly still wanting to play."

Thomas was too good for the rest of the field at Woodsome Hall, a course that he is fond of.

He said: "When I played professional, I was at Woodsome Hall a lot as I had sponsors that were members there.

"It's a good matchplay course. It's good for straight hitting, not long hitting, which suits me as I was probably the eldest in the field (at the Amateur Matchplay).

"Adam and I set off in the semis and then there was a downpour. On the third green they had to get the squeegees out on the greens as there was water on our putting line.

"We chatted and didn't feel it'd get any better but then it was dry after that, apart from the odd shower.

"The final was a battle too. George is a nice young player and he's good at playing the game in the right spirit. It was nice to see a younger player just getting on with it too."

It was a successful season all round for Thomas, who finished third in the Yorkshire Order of Merit standings. He was victorious in the Northcliffe tournament and came second at Bradford.

He was not surprised that they were his standout Order of Merit performances, saying: "I was attached to Bradford Golf Club when I was on the pro tour and I've always liked Northcliffe. I played there a lot in my youth and in the scratch leagues.

"I know both courses well. They're not the largest so you've got to use your brain and be patient."

Thomas actually finished higher in the standings last year, but 2019 was definitely a less painful experience for him.

He said: "I came second last year in the Order of Merit (by 40 points) to Sam Bairstow. Going into the last event, he had to come first or second.

"He came second which meant I had to finish in the top 10. But I had a broken driver head so I only managed to come 13th."

Thomas is now looking to close out 2019 with a good performance in the North of England Amateur Championship at Alwoodley next week.

He said: "I entered earlier in the year and it's a great field. I'll get to play alongside some young superstars like Ben Hutchinson and just have fun."