Hartlepool golfer Alex Wrigley's success in Mercedes Benz International pro-am tournament

The Hartlepool Golf Club professional claimed the event in the United Arab Emirates with a final round of 67 to win by four strokes and a new course record (63).

The 23-year-old was delighted to get his season off to such a great start at the oasis golf resort of Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates.

He said: “It was good to know that all of the pre-season preparation was working.

“I concentrated on ‘staying in the moment’ during the round and taking each shot as it comes.

“Towards the end, I was feeling pretty confident the win was mine.”

The pro-am four-ball format line up was completed with Alex’s father Jonathan, also known to act as Alex’s part-time caddy when required, his grandfather John Fawcett and Hartlepool’s Neil Ashby.

A par score of 70 in the first round was followed by a second round score of 66, the best of the day,

A seven under par 63 in round three set a new record on the redesigned course before he ended in style.

Alex added: “I was five under after seven holes, then hit a bit of a brick wall.

“I had a few scrappy pars, but managed to keep it going, then finished off after just missing the final green of the par five hole, then putted in for eagle.”