CONQUERING the elements helped Pocklington golfer Martin Anderson land his fourth English Deaf Golf Association National Championship crown.

Anderson became the first playing England captain to win the event and foiled rival Mark Forrest’s efforts to take the trophy for the third successive year.

Held at Hunley Hall Golf Club, in Brotton, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, four rounds were held over three days.

Conditions were extremely tough with high winds, showers and heavy rain making it difficult to walk round a hilly course for the 23 competitors.

After an opening round 82, which put him in third place, four shots behind the leader, Anderson reduced the deficit to just one following a second 82.

With a third round 81, Anderson went into the final round with a six-shot lead.

“My aim at this point was to only make pars and keep the ball splitting the fairway,” he said. “I used my three iron off a lot of the tees which pressured Mark into taking the driver out in order to make some birdies from the start. “However, this game plan for Mark did not work and he finished the final round with a 78 to my 76 (+4). This allowed me to finish eight shots clear of second with an aggregate score of 321.”

Having first played in the National Championships in 2005, and winning it, Anderson added this year’s event to previous successful hauls in 2007 and 2008.

“This is the first time in the EDGA National Championships history that a playing captain of the England set up has successfully won the EDGA Championships and I look forward to defending it next year,” added Anderson.

The EDGA National Deaf Championships were also used to select the team for the World Deaf Championships to be held at Tsu Golf and Country Club, Japan, in October 2012, which will include Anderson.

He said: “The next competition on the captaincy agenda is the Four Nations Tournament in Dublin from August 2 to 6 at Castleknock Hotel and Country Club. “I am still seeking sponsors to help support the England Team and also the English Deaf Golf Association so if any companies would like to get involved in supporting Deaf Sport and the UK Deaf Sport organisation, then please email me on manderson22@hotmail.co.uk.”