THERE was a surprise winner of the Bradford Golf Union’s Amateur Strokeplay Championship on Sunday, with Northcliffe’s Paddy Young taking the crown.

It was a real triumph for Young, who had been out for a long time with injury, and he pipped the talented Ben Rhodes by one stroke, after some late drama.

Union president Mark Buckley, who also happens to be a Northcliffe member, beamed: “Paddy’s been away from golf for a couple of years with an injured shoulder, so this was a great comeback.

“It was a really good score from him, with nobody running away with the tournament, as they were all bunched up together.

“There was some good golf played on what is a fantastic course at Skipton, which has really moved on over the last 10 years.”

And that course played host to a dramatic finale, with Buckley recalling: “Ben had a bogey on the last to fall back to level par.

“I’m sure he’s still kicking himself, as he had a great chance to at least take it to a play-off.”

But that slip up ensured Young won, with Buckley hopeful he can achieve even more this season.

He said: “The Bradford Open is being held at Northcliffe next month, which could be to Paddy’s advantage as it’s his home club.

“It’s over 36 holes rather than 18, so it’s just whether he could go the distance.

“He could get called up for Bradford Union matches this season now too.”