Vivary Park duo Colin Murphy and Mark Pavey were crowned International Pairs UK champions after two magnificent rounds at St Andrews Bay Golf Resort and Spa.

But six-handicapper Murphy will remember this day for more than one reason after aceing the 196-yard, par-three third on the Torrance Course, the first in the history of the International Pairs final. 

 

"It was fantastic – I can't get my head round it all," said Murphy.
 
"I hit a six-iron; it never left the pin, pitched 15-20ft in front of the hole and went straight in.

 

"Mark was fantastic today and I was playing second fiddle and didn't have much to do. We just came up here for the experience, arriving in the dark on Wednesday night, before going out at 8.10am in the second group on The Devlin Course yesterday.

 

"We went out in 25 points before totalling 44 on the first day and on the second day, we turned in 23. 

 

"I felt the front nine was tough and it wasn't until the 16th tee that we heard we were four or five points clear. The pressure was on but Mark finished par, par, par (4,4,5) and it's all been unbelievable." 

 

The pair qualified at their home course in Taunton before winning the semi-final at The Kendleshire with 42 points. 
Pavey said: "It's been absolutely terrific; everything has been A1 and hopefully we'll be back again next year." 

 

Their success in the UK final means they will go on to represent the UK in the world final in Wales next year against national winners from around 40 other countries. 

 

The final word went to the hole-in-one hero, Murphy, who smiled: "This is the bees' knees – as good as it gets. Roll on August 2006."

 

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