England senior men carry off European

title for first time in Switzerland

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY ENGLISH GOLF UNION
England’s over 55 golfers won the European men’s team championship for the first time when they beat Sweden 3-2 in the final at Golf Club Patriziale in Ascona, Switzerland, after overcoming defending champions Ireland in the semi-finals.
Having never finished better than third in previous years, England qualified third after the stroke play stage then faced Spain in the quarter finals, winning 3-2.
The Irish were up next and having come off second best to them in a string of contests, there was an air of determination about the English team. England won the foursomes through Doug Arnold and Chris Reynolds, but after losing the top two singles, new cap Andrew Stracey at the 19th, and Geoff King 3&2, tipped the balance England’s way.
That saw them through to the final against Sweden, who had put out Scotland and Italy. Again, Arnold and Reynolds saw England ahead in the foursomes 3&2, but with two singles again being lost, it was left to Philip Slater and Geoff King to see England to the title.
Slater, from Cheshire, won his match 3&2, while Essex-based King eased home 2&1 to set off English celebrations.
England will now defend the title when they host the European Seniors Team Championships at Fairhaven Golf Club in Lancashire next August.