Record-breaking Matty’s duel at St Andrews

The 21-year-old set a new 36-hole record, after his outstanding opening rounds of 64 and 63 at the St Andrews Links Trophy, in Scotland.

And after following it up with a third round of 69, Lamb took a three stroke lead into Sunday’s final round.

But after a dramatic final round, played out over the Home of Golf’s iconic Old Course, the Hexham Golf Club member lost by one stroke to Jake Burnage, of Saunton in Devon. Despite closing with a 73, his highest round of the week, Lamb, took his lead into the closing holes.

A dropped shot at the par five14th, however, proved costly, as Burnage struck his 295-yard second shot to 12ft of the pin, setting up an eagle and a three-stroke swing.

Burnage, who was third in last year’s event, parred his way in to finish on 20-under-par, one stroke ahead of the Hexham man.

“Matty should rightfully be proud of his performance, which should give him confidence,” said proud father Darren, who carried his son’s bag for all four rounds.

“So many players who did not make the cut came to support him, which speaks volumes for the kind of person he is.

“We literally received hundreds of messages from members at Hexham Golf Club, and Northumberland county players, who were playing in the county championship at Hexham on Sunday, and all the players were watching the drama unfold live on St Andrews TV.”

Lamb received a trophy for his record-breaking two round total, some five strokes lower than the previous record.

He played his opening round on the Jubilee Course at St. Andrews, and the other three on the famous Old Course, from the championship tees.

Now a plus-six handicapper, Lamb has a busy few weeks ahead. He will compete in the British Amateur, at Portmarnock in Ireland, and also in the Euro Pro event, at Linden Hall.

On behalf of his son, Darren expressed his thanks to Hexham club professional Andy Paisley, as well as club members, for their support. Lamb is an ambassador for the charity Golfing for Life.