TEENAGE talent Max Berrisford has secured the most impressive success of his young career so far, winning the Yorkshire Amateur Matchplay Championship by a single hole on Saturday in a nail-biting finale.

The 18-year-old, who hails from Steeton and plays for Skipton Golf Club, admitted that it was not easy to cope with the rising tension in the showdown with James Cass.

Speaking to the Telegraph & Argus, he said: "I was two down in the final but turned it round by winning four holes in a row.

"My nerves were jangling going down the last with the lead but I kept hold of it. It has to be the best win of my career so far, nothing else comes close.

"I'm really happy because I wasn't expecting it heading into the weekend."

On a busy weekend for the teenager, Berrisford also shot the best round for Bradford Golf Union in the Yorkshire Inter-District Team Championship at Knaresborough on Sunday.

He said: "It's helped a lot playing for the Union this season. It gets me the experience of playing alongside and against good players.

"It's also helped me learn to handle the pressure of matchplay golf because it's a similar situation to last Saturday."

They will be pleased to know that Berrisford is planning to stick around. He said: "I'm starting an Open University course next month so I'll still be at home.

"I'll keep playing here for a good few years and carry on improving my game. I might try and get away to play in some warmer weather this winter though, for when it gets a bit grim."

The 18-year-old will therefore continue to enjoy his time at Skipton Golf Club and he said: "I've been here since I was 12 and it was the golf pro Ben Mallinson who taught me the basics.

"He got me into it and gave me the enthusiasm to play. They're all friendly and supportive here and I've had some lovely messages since my win on Saturday."

Skipton's current club professional, Peter Robinson, was effusive in his praise for Berrisford, and he said: "You can tell he's had a good upbringing because he's so well-mannered.

"He's popular at the club and has a good golfing etiquette. He's a joy to have around and he's just one of those lads you'd want as your son."

Robinson also praised the teenager's commitment to the sport, saying: "He's never away from the place and he plays on his own a lot, particularly now he's passed his driving test.

"He'll play with anyone though, whatever their ability, and people like to play with him. He's not cocky with an attitude like some lads with his talent might be."

Speaking about Berrisford's success on Saturday, Robinson said: "It didn't surprise me too much although realistically I thought he might make it to the semis at best.

"He showed his talents in the event last year though, and he was only knocked out by Matt Fitzpatrick's brother Alex."