HUNLEY HALL will always have a special place in the heart of Steve Hutchinson after the local golfer overcame a strong field to become the English/Welsh Open champion.

Hutchinson, who was part of Europe’s Fightmaster Cup success last year, claimed his biggest individual title to date by blowing away the rest of the field with his 60 point stableford total by the Cleveland Way.

Barnard Castle’s Hutchinson was at the top of his game throughout the day on the Morgans Course at Hunley Hall, Brotton, to highlight the progress he has made as a one-armed golfer since sustaining a paralysed arm in a motorcycle accident in 2005.

He shot an amazing six under net over the 27 holes of competitive action after following up a morning nine-round one under by blitzing the field on the afternoon 18 holes with a brilliant five under to power to his 60 points tally.

Hutchinson, 49, said: “It was a fantastic weekend. I played well in the Friday practice round by shooting a ten over gross, so I felt good about my game going into the Saturday championship.

“I started well in the morning and things just got better and better in a strong wind and my total was 11 points clear of second place, so I was really happy. My putting was what made my day. I had some really long ones that went in.

“This is the biggest win I have had with the one-armed society and it was great to do it on a course here in the North-East. Special thanks to my brilliant caddie Dawn and to Ralph Givens for sorting out my swing.”

Hutchinson, an assistant at Blackwell Grange Golf Club, was never under threat on the afternoon and it was Staffordshire’s Terry Adnams who finished runner-up in tough conditions.

Darlington’s Darren Grey, who was born without the lower part of his left arm, was unable to find top gear at Hunley Hall despite boasting a CV of titles including the world crown.

The 30-year-old was disappointed with his own showing, but was delighted to see his good friend Hutchinson turn on the style to impress.

Grey, who did win the nearest the pin competition, said: “I was happy with the way I played in parts of my game. I personally felt that with not playing as much golf this year my touch and feel isn't as good as it was.

“I'm struggling to play to my full potential, a lot of my shots were lost around the greens and that is where a lot of my scores can go from OK to amazing.

“But I was lucky enough to be drawn with Steven on Saturday and was extremely impressed with the progress he has made with his game over the last two years.

“I’ve seen him excel more and more every time he comes to tournaments, which is brilliant in my eyes. One of the best bits of playing disabled golf is seeing people progress to fulfil their potential.

“I take nothing away from him on a great game of golf. It was a pleasure to watch him in action. Even when Steven looked like he may struggle on a hole, he played some great recovery shots and you could see his confidence grow through the round.”

Chester’s Dave Waterhouse recorded the best gross score when he shot 18 over after 27 holes.

The best front nine morning round was won by Hillside’s Chris Court, while Whittington’s David Bailey and Mike Benhaim claimed the best front and back nine afternoon scores.