After spending nearly a year organising Friday's annual event the longstanding pro finished level pegging for first place along with Slinfold's Ryan Fenwick.

The rivals used to be colleagues as Fenwick was assistant pro at Ifield before moving on last year.

Earl tied with Fenwick with a one-under-par score of 69 to lead the field of 96 players home and share the £650 prizemoney.

His round included four birdies at the first, 10th, 16th and seventh holes, making a telling chip-in on seven.

Delighted Earl, who has been pro there for 19 years and worked at Ifield previously as assistant, was surprised to actually win the competition he was running.

He said: "I am delighted to have won and the members are pleased for me. The course was playing really well and I am pleased to have improved my own game recently.

"I am grateful to all those who supported the event both from the corporate and golf communities."

To round off a perfect day for the club, Ifield also won the team event.

Assistant professional Stuart Murray combined with amateur players Gilly Fuller, the lady captain, Keith Fuller and vice captain Sylvia Dearsley to finish first out of 24 teams from all over Sussex.

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