LOCKDOWN has provided Tynedale's biggest golf the extra appetite for competition - and resulted in a career highlight.

Hexham's Matty Lamb returned from lockdown to clinch the Tillman Trophy at Foxhills Golf Club, in Surrey, seeing off the challenge from England teammate Ben Schmidt.

Lamb's four round total of 12 under par edged him to a two stroke victory over Scmidt, earning him the trophy which includes four time major champion Ernie Els as a past winner.

The 22-year-old star showed consistency over his four rounds of 69, 69, 71 and 67, Lamb admitting he was delighted to be back out on the course again.

He said: “To be honest I didn’t play that well, but obviously I scored well.

“It was a bit scrappy from tee to green, but the putter was hot all week and I holed out really, really well.

“It just felt so good to be back out playing competitive golf again.

“It’s strange being stuck at home for months when your life has evolved around golf.

“In an odd way, the lockdown maybe helped me. I began to appreciate golf again and when we were allowed to come back to the course I enjoyed it a lot more.

“For me, the break may have come at a good time.

“I was able to work on technical things by hitting into a net in my garden and was also able to talk about things with my coach Andy Paisley.

“I was able to practise things I wouldn’t have done had I been out playing all the time and it’s obviously paid off.

“Maybe being on the couch for three months is the answer!”

Lamb, a former pupil at Hexham's Queen Elizabeth High School, knew he was coming under pressure from Yorkshireman Schmidt down the stretch in the final round, but he was able to fend off his international colleague.

A birdie at the 72nd hole sealed the win and followed up from his success last season in the Hampshire Hog and Home Internationals with England.

Lamb was due to take part in this week's 2020 Pro Tour event at Rockcliffe Hall, in preparation of the English Men's Amateur Championship next week. He is also eyeing up an appearance at next year's Walker Cup before deciding on his long term future.