England held off a charging Spanish side to score their sixth victory in the European Nations Cup at La Reserva, Sotogrande.
The four-strong team of Ashley Chesters, Paul Howard, Nick Marsh and Ben Stow edged home one shot clear of the hosts, Spain.
The best three scores from four counted on each day of the championship. Leading final positions: 1 England 897; 2 Spain 898; 3 France 902; 4 Ireland 904.
England coach Graham Walker commented: “With a few holes to play the tournament was tight. We needed a big finish and the team responded in great fashion. Ashley birdied the 15th and then parred in, while Ben eagled 15, birdied 16 and then parred in.”
Meanwhile, Howard, who was first to finish, had gone straight back on to the course to caddy for Marsh over the last few holes, underlining the side’s strong team spirit.
The matches were played in very testing winds, particularly on the first day when gusts of up to 35kmh delayed play. Conditions were such that there were only nine rounds below par during the entire tournament, from a total of 256 played.
England was in second place after the first round, four shots behind Ireland, and took the lead after 36 holes – and refused to be dislodged, despite Spain’s efforts. Victory gave England its fifth win in seven years, with previous successes in 2013, 2011, 2010 and 2009. The team also won in 2004.
Team manager Terry Casey commented: “This was a true team effort in a really tough week. The golf course was playing at its most challenging and rounds were taking six hours and more. Our lads prepared exceptionally well and showed a truly professional attitude throughout the week, so that when things looked bleak on the course we held together to post scores that kept us in the hunt. Graham, as usual, did a wonderful job in preparing the players and filling the role of on-course advisor.”
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