England Golf Senior Men’s star Stephen Creed was crowned the European Senior Men’s Amateur champion on Saturday at Elea Golf Club in Cyprus.
The Stratford on Avon golfer shot rounds of 72, 67 and 68 to finish on -6 overall, finishing an impressive four shots clear of his nearest challengers in France’s Rodrigo Lacerda Soares and recent English Senior Men’s Amateur Stroke Play champion John Kemp.
Kemp (Woburn) was leading the pack after day one but Creed stormed to victory, and was one of five Englishmen who finished in the top 10. View the final leaderboard here.
Champion Creed, 61, revealed: “There are two huge dates in the calendar for us seniors – the Europeans and the British Seniors – for a player to win either is like climbing Mount Everest!
“To be lucky enough to be nominated to play at this year’s championship as one of the players representing England is a real honour and privilege – pulling on the England shirt against the best European and international players is one of the highlights of a golfing career, it makes me feel very proud.
“I felt good going into the tournament. I visited Elea in November, I had three rounds to try and understand what a tremendous challenge it would be.
“My opening hole didn’t go well as I put my tee shot one foot out of bounds – a walk of shame back to the tee but a birdie with the second limited the damage. Some steady golf got me in the clubhouse at 1-over and anchored a good start but five shots back.
“Day two I had the morning calm and it was scoring day with a 4-under 67, giving me a two-shot lead overall. It was all about controlling my mind on the final day and I did just that for the most part.
“To win the tournament is what dreams are made of. It puts you in the legend status within your peer group and cements your place in Senior Amateur Golf. To actually win surpasses any dream imaginable, it’s there to be won but at the same time so out of reach.
“The rewards are so amazing with exceptions into the Senior Open this year at Gleneagles being a major prize.
“To represent your club (Stratford on Avon) and county to reward all the people that have supported your journey along the way, to share posts and make it real for them as well - it’s a great feeling when you can share with others along the way.”
Creed, who dedicated the win to his late mum who passed away last year at the age of 99, and was a major supporter of his golf, added: “I will celebrate with my daughter and my team with a nice meal and a bottle of champagne, and the cork will be saved along with the very few victories that this game gives of this level!”
Kemp (Woburn) was leading the pack after day one but Creed stormed to victory, and was one of five Englishmen who finished in the top 10. View the final leaderboard here.
Champion Creed, 61, revealed: “There are two huge dates in the calendar for us seniors – the Europeans and the British Seniors – for a player to win either is like climbing Mount Everest!
“To be lucky enough to be nominated to play at this year’s championship as one of the players representing England is a real honour and privilege – pulling on the England shirt against the best European and international players is one of the highlights of a golfing career, it makes me feel very proud.
“I felt good going into the tournament. I visited Elea in November, I had three rounds to try and understand what a tremendous challenge it would be.
“My opening hole didn’t go well as I put my tee shot one foot out of bounds – a walk of shame back to the tee but a birdie with the second limited the damage. Some steady golf got me in the clubhouse at 1-over and anchored a good start but five shots back.
“Day two I had the morning calm and it was scoring day with a 4-under 67, giving me a two-shot lead overall. It was all about controlling my mind on the final day and I did just that for the most part.
“To win the tournament is what dreams are made of. It puts you in the legend status within your peer group and cements your place in Senior Amateur Golf. To actually win surpasses any dream imaginable, it’s there to be won but at the same time so out of reach.
“The rewards are so amazing with exceptions into the Senior Open this year at Gleneagles being a major prize.
“To represent your club (Stratford on Avon) and county to reward all the people that have supported your journey along the way, to share posts and make it real for them as well - it’s a great feeling when you can share with others along the way.”
Creed, who dedicated the win to his late mum who passed away last year at the age of 99, and was a major supporter of his golf, added: “I will celebrate with my daughter and my team with a nice meal and a bottle of champagne, and the cork will be saved along with the very few victories that this game gives of this level!”
ENDS
Contact details:
Tom Vale, Press & Media Manager
Tel: 07912 240850
Email: tom.vale@englandgolf.org
www.englandgolf.org
Contact details:
Tom Vale, Press & Media Manager
Tel: 07912 240850
Email: tom.vale@englandgolf.org
www.englandgolf.org