A pair of amateur Richmond golfers beat off the challenge of three other duos to secure the national senior pairs title at the grand final of the HowDidIDo Morocco Matchplay last week.

Teddington teacher Phil Bermingham and his 58-year-old Fulwell Golf Club clubmate Alan Russell from Twickenham, beat Blairgowrie Golf Club’s Jim Turriff and Brian Cavellini in the final at the five-star Sofitel Essaouira Mogador Golf & Spa Hotel.

Bermingham, 67, said: “It was touch and go in the first match we played against them – it could have gone either way. And true to form, it could have gone either way in the final.

"That was what made it really enjoyable as it was so competitive and very sporting.

“We’ve played in this event for six years and it’s enjoyable for the intrinsic value of taking part. It’s competitive, but always played in a great spirit.

“I’ve been really pleased with the general ambience of the resort.

"The local people have been very welcoming – I only wish I could interact more with them.

"Location-wise, it’s absolutely perfect: a nice temperature; overlooking the Atlantic; lovely views; a nicely designed, beautiful golf course, with challenging greens and fairways – you never knew what was going to happen when you approached the green. It was a really interesting course."