Golf

Porteous wins British Amateur Championship

English golfer defeats Finland’s Toni Hakula in 36-hole final

Garrick Porteous of England plays his tee shot on the 7th hole during the afternoon round in the final. Photograph: David Cannon/Getty Images
Garrick Porteous of England plays his tee shot on the 7th hole during the afternoon round in the final. Photograph: David Cannon/Getty Images
Sat Jun 22 2013 - 19:05

Garrick Porteous won the British Amateur Championship after cruising to a 6&5 victory over Toni Hakula at at Royal Cinque Ports today.

The Englishman coped the better with the wet and windy conditions to go three up after the first 18 holes and maintained his concentration in the afternoon to overcome his Finnish opponent.

Hakula got off to a good start as he won the first, but Porteous soon squared the match up and then won the sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth to take a commanding lead at the turn.

The Finn won the 10th and 12th but Porteous claimed 13 before Hakula won 15 and 16 to reduce the deficit to just one hole.

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He could not maintain that momentum, however, and wins on 17 and 18 put Porteous well in control.

The weather improved for the second 18 and Hakula won the second but the Scottish Amateur Strokeplay champion won the third, fifth and ninth to take a five-hole lead on to the back nine.

Hakula was not giving up and he drained a long putt for birdie on 10 to reduce the deficit, but wins on 12 and 13 handed Porteous a convincing victory.