RICHARD AISBITT has become the first golfer since the turn of the century to clinch a third Durham County Championship title – and now has his sights set on an even greater crown.

The Brancepeth Castle golfer retained the trophy he won 12 months ago by edging out Eaglescliffe’s Tom Smith in dramatic fashion in a sudden death play-off at South Shields.

Aisbitt and Smith had forced the extra holes by posting a final round 72, which was one shot better than his nearest rival, to level things up with a seven-over par four round total of 291.

And Aisbitt said: “I still felt I would be there or thereabouts if I played OK even though I hadn’t played a lot because of injury.

“The play-off was good and it could have gone either way. I needed a birdie on the third extra hole to take it to sudden death, which I won with a par due to Tom missing the green and having a bogey.”

The success ensured it was the third time Aisbitt has won the County Championship, following on from the victories in 2003 and 2014. The last golfer to claim a hat-trick of Durham triumphs was Tony McLure, who won for a record-busting sixth time in 2000.

Aisbitt, 41, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to win in very, very tough conditions. The wind and testing pin placements meant it was a gruelling couple of days.

“It took me a while to find my game and only felt comfortable in the last round. My short game kept me going and just had to be patient due to the conditions.

“I have got to mention the support I had from both family and friends from the golf club and also John Hutchinson on the bag. I’m looking forward now to the English champions of champions in September.”

Durham County Championship leaderboard

Richard Aisbitt (Brancepeth Castle) 291

Tom Smith (Eaglescliffe) 291

Sam Robinson (Tyneside) 292

Rhys Thompson (Boldon) 293

Jordan Bettis (Ravensworth) 293

Robert Moon (Wynyard) 293

Gavin Nesbit (Boldon) 295

Graeme Marchbank (Durham City) 295

David Vest (Wearside) 295

Michael Shotton (South Shields) 298

James Wilson (Tyneside) 298

Stuart Brown (Castle Eden) 298

Jack Ainscough (Hartlepool) 298

DARLINGTON duo Aaron McManus and Andrew Wilson have qualified for the Brabazon Trophy.

McManus and Wilson turned in solid performances at Clitheroe to claim one of the top 30 places on offer in the Northern Qualifier for arguably the biggest amateur strokeplay event in the world.

McManus carded a 72, one over, to finish 15th and his club-mate joined him by carding a 73 to secure a place in the Brabazon – which took place at Seaton Carew last year - at Notts Golf Club (Hollinwell) from June 24-27. Shipley’s William Whiteoak posted the best score of the day of 68.

Imran Aziz of the George Washington club missed out with a 76 and Boldon’s in-form Rhys Thompson stuttered to a 77.