A LONGNIDDRY golfer has claimed victory in one of Scotland’s most prestigious and historic tournaments after a nerve-wracking finish at Glasgow Golf Club.

James Morgan, of Longniddry Golf Club, took home the Tennant Cup after a grandstand finish in the west which saw the 22-year-old hold his nerve to win a tense play-off.

The Tennant Cup is the oldest trophy in amateur golf, dating back to 1880.

It is held at Glasgow Golf Club, the first two rounds taking place at Gailes Links near Irvine, with the final two being held at Killermont, the club’s parkland course in Glasgow.

Morgan had opened with rounds of 69 and 67 at Gailes Links last Saturday, securing his position at the top of the leaderboard with a third-round 67 at Killermont last Sunday morning.

Going into the round with a four-shot lead, Morgan had to work hard to keep his spot at the top and, if it were not for a birdie at the last which gave him a 72, he would have lost out to Falkirk’s Ben Carberry (66).

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But in the play-off between the pair, Morgan held his nerve on the first extra hole, securing par and taking the title.

Speaking to Courier Sport, Morgan told of his relief at getting over the line to win the trophy.

He said: “I was delighted to win a tournament with a lot of history and really happy to get back in the winner’s circle. It was a bit of a relief!

“Having a four-shot lead going into the final round and then not playing so great [was difficult].

“I was six-over through 10 holes, then made two big up and downs on 11 and 12 and, standing on the 13th tee, I knew I needed a couple of birdies.”

And they did come, as Morgan birdied four of the last six, including clutch moments at 17 and 18.

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On the only extra hole, a par would suffice, allowing the Longniddry man to take home the prestigious trophy.

The University of Memphis student had not won on home turf for some time and was glad of this massive confidence boost.

He said: “It does give me a lot of confidence going forward – and that’s all you really want, to put yourself in contention.”

The day after his triumph, Morgan was back at Longniddry Golf Club, where he has played since he was 11 years old.

He said: “The club and the membership have been great – I always feel the club is supporting me.

“It was nice to bring something home and get some more recognition to the club.”

He also thanked his parents for always being his “biggest supporters”.

He added: “My mum and dad are very proud.”

Morgan had won a few times in the USA but was happy that his parents were able to witness his latest triumph.

He said: “I was delighted to get this one over the line and they were very proud.”

On Sunday, Morgan continued his great form with a runners-up finish at the East of Scotland Open at Lundin Links.

Next up, he has Open Qualifying as well as the Scottish Amateur at Dornoch before he heads back to America to complete his final year of college.

He told Courier Sport he was really enjoying his amateur career but did have ambitions to one day turn pro.

He added: “It’s something I’ve got my eyes on, and I will put some sort of plan together.

“But I’m going to take it day by day – it’s on the horizon.”