Sunningdale Foursomes result: Corben and Crockett stage momentous comeback win

The 91st Sunningdale Foursomes reached a dramatic conclusion on Friday, March 14, with David Corben and Harry Crockett securing a fantastic 1-up victory over Monty Holcombe and Oscar Lent after finding themselves two down with three holes to play.

In an all-amateur final, with both pairs having played golf for Surrey, things looked bleak for the eventual winners when Holcombe and Lent—representing Walton Heath—took a two-shot lead on Sunningdale Old’s par-3 15th hole.

However, Corben struck a near-perfect 8-iron to three feet on the 16th, allowing Crockett to clean up for birdie. A bogey from Lent and Holcombe on the 17th then ensured the match was all square heading into the par-4 final hole.

From there, Lent and Corben found the green in regulation, but Holcombe, facing a long putt from the front of the putting surface, ran his effort five feet past. When Lent missed the returning putt for par, Corben capitalized with a four to seal a famous win.

“It feels so emotional,” said Corben, 37, who plays out of Hindhead. “It was such a close battle, but we stuck in there and worked so hard. Losing wasn’t really an option, but we were up against it after the 15th, so it was nice to hit that shot into the 16th to give us a chance.

“However, I just wanted to fight until the end for my playing partner. He was exceptional.

“Monty and Oscar are two great players whom I’ve gotten to know in recent years through playing for Surrey. I knew from the moment I met them that they were going to be great players, and they showed just how good they are today. I am sure their time will come, but for us, it is so special to know that our names will be on the famous Sunningdale Foursomes winners’ board.”

Crockett, 23, from Addington Palace, who earlier in the match made two vital clutch putts on the 7th and 8th holes to save par while Lent and Holcombe looked poised to pull ahead, added: “It feels incredible to win this event.

“David showed his class in those closing holes, and it feels very special. The Foursomes is one of golf’s most prestigious tournaments, so to win it is unreal.”

Earlier in the day, Corben and Crockett overcame last year’s winners and favorites, Dylan Shaw-Radford and Harley Smith, 1-up in their semi-final. Lent and Holcombe, meanwhile, won by the same score against professionals Harry Walch—representing Quail Hollow—and former Walker Cup player Angus Flanagan (St George’s Hill).

It was another memorable week at Sunningdale, with 128 pairs teeing off on Tuesday’s opening day. In an event open to both amateurs and professionals, several standout names drew huge crowds to the iconic Berkshire venue.

Former Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid, and Wales legend Gareth Bale competed in his first Sunningdale Foursomes. He exited in the first round with playing partner Matthew Wylie. 

However, Solheim Cup superstars Charley Hull and Georgia Hall were among the tournament’s biggest stories, advancing to the last 16 before falling to Tom Shadbolt and Ben Evans, 4 & 3.