New Dorset strokeplay champion Ben Churchill believes Ryder Cup star Sergio Garcia is having an influence on his game.
After completing a double by adding the strokeplay to the matchplay championship he won a year ago, he admitted that watching Garcia at first hand has helped him improve.
The corporal in the Royal Engineers is a member of the Army Golf Society that provides protection for the leading golfers at The Open each year.
The powerful Churchill, aged 26, was assigned to the Spanish wizard for all four days at Hoylake this year and had the privilege of observing both Garcia and Tiger Woods in the final round at Hoylake.
The Knighton Heath member who now plays off plus one said: "It's great to win the county title on my own course and I know seeing all those great players like Sergio and Tiger at The Open helped.
"I certainly picked up a few tips that I hope I am now bringing into my own game."
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