A more relaxed approach to golf has paid dividends for Lee Thompson after he clinched the Waverley TBS West Region Championship, supported by Johnnie Walker, in a play-off at Woodbury Park.
The Dudsbury golfer defeated Dorset player Paul Jones (Canford Magna) at the first extra play off hole - the 18th - securing victory with a 9-iron safely into the centre of the green for a certain three.
Jones, 31, who had birdied the hole in regulation play to set the seven-under-par target of 137, was again tempted by the front pin cut close to the water. He hit the green but the ball spun back into the rushes guarding the hazard.
After two attempts to reach the putting surface he conceded. "That was the only shot I dropped all day," he said ruefully. "It was probably the best I have played this season."
Thompson, aged 36, added his name to the famous trophy for the first time, joining previous illustrious winners like Peter Alliss and Gordon Brand Junior. The last time he was close was in 2004 when he lost in a play-off to George Ryall at Chipping Sodbury.
In his younger days Thompson spent thousands of pounds trying to break into Tour golf without much success.
"I have played less golf this year than for 15 years," he said. "What with my business and family I have become selective about where I travel as I no longer have any big ambitions in golf any more.
"It would be great to win the Order of Merit and be able to play in the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth again or even finish in the top three and go into the Srixon PGA Play-Offs at Hoylake in October.
"Perhaps my new attitude played a part this week. I just treated it as a relaxing holiday and spent some time with my pal Stewwy (Stuart Little, the former European Tour player).
"There was no pressure at any time because I don't rely on golf for a living any more and didn't have great expectations so that probably helped, although I've still got my pride.
"I only missed one green and plodded my way round without holing many putts in a steady rather than spectacular fashion."
He was four shots off the pace set by favourite Chris Gill (Exeter) and Jimmy Lee, whose commitments as club pro at Caerphilly have restricted his play drastically this year, after a first round three-under-par 69.
Jones was even a shot further back but clawed his way into contention with a second-day best 67, one better than Thompson.
Gill and Lee slipped back with 73s and were joined by 26-year-old Ben Welch who was playing in his first championship since becoming a registered assistant at Remedy Oak. His second 69 also brought a share of third spot.
There were the usual hard-luck tales. Perhaps the saddest man was Ryall (Players Club) who was seven-under-par and leading when he teed off at the final hole. He found the rushes, took six and finished eighth.
Ian Brown (Newent) was happier after chalking up his fourth ace when his 8-iron disappeared into the 172-yard fifth hole.