Dominic Moon claims prestigious Seaton Salver at Hartlepool's Seaton Carew Golf Club in thrilling fashion

The 33-year-old golfer tasted glory at one of the Northern amateur circuit’s premier events held at Seaton Carew Golf Club, in Hartlepool, where he only joined as a member last October.

This year’s Seaton Salver, carrying valuable order of merit points, delivered on its promise of high drama with an exceptional field, proving to be one of the closest fought in its long history.

With a limited field of 60 of the region’s best golfers, the morning saw relatively benign conditions with light winds.

However, typical of links golf, the afternoon brought blustery winds and heavy showers before calming, testing every player’s mettle.

Moon said: “I was a bit nervous before teeing off and on the first tee because I was the late inclusion.

“I managed to have a good start which built my confidence up and had a pretty steady round. I hit most greens and two putted to one under in the first round.

“It was a similar story in the afternoon. I topped my first tee shot which went 80 yards and by the ninth hole I was five under, eagled 8 and 9. I was in the driving seat at six-under for the tournament. I had a few nervous three putts towards the end, but won on count back and I am absolutely delighted.”

He said: “I missed the ballot for the event. They rang the day before, and I was very keen to get in straight away knowing I did have the form to post a good score.”

Moon seized the opportunity. A sub-par morning round of 70 (-1) was followed by an even stronger afternoon score of 69 (-2).

This performance led to a tense count-back, where his superior second round was enough to clinch the coveted title.

Moon, a recent addition to the Seaton Carew membership after moving from Bedale Golf Club earlier in the year, boasts an impressive amateur pedigree.

In his younger days, he played consistently for Yorkshire, represented England Schools, and even competed internationally in Brazil after winning the UK elements of the Faldo Tour Series.

Moon said: “I hadn’t been playing great leading up to the Seaton Salver, but I just found my swing the week before and going into it I felt confident.”

Moon is a physiotherapist and is the sports lead at Pure Physiotherapy, who are launching new clinics in Newcastle, where the company is partnering with a sports injury clinic.

After joining Seaton Carew in October, Moon has quickly settled into his new club.

Having previously won events like the Sheffield Plate and reached the semi-finals of the English Amateur Championship, Moon is no stranger to success.

"But it has been a while since I held a trophy like this," he said with a smile.