HE’S been on a winning European Ryder Cup team and won the US Open, but Justin Rose appreciated what it took for Hampshire to finally win their second English County Championship title at Trevose earlier this month (writes Andrew Griffin).

For the North Hants member was in the team that claimed Hampshire’s first ever English crown at Woodhall Spa – the home of England Golf – when he was just 16 back in 1996.

His home county have been to the finals on a further seven occasions up until last year without success.

But with captain Martin Young picking a team of over-35s, including British Mid-Amateur Champion Matt Wilcox – also a North Hants member – the extra experience coupled with the precocious talents of Rowlands Castle’s US college graduate Billy McKenzie and clubmate Tom Robson, the current Hampshire Colts manager who formed a key foursomes pairing, Hampshire finally got over the line.

The seven-strong team, including Blackmoor pair Colin Roope and Mark Burgess, got to meet Rose, who famously tied for fourth at the Open Championship while still an amateur, the day after he collected his MBE from the Duke of Cambridge at Buckingham Palace. Rose became golf’s first Olympic gold medal winner in 112 years in Rio last summer.

Young has played in eight finals since 2002 – a record for the event in the 21st century – and led his team to a last-day victory over Staffordshire, following wins over Somerset and Northumberland.

He said: “It was fantastic that Justin wanted to see the team with the trophy. He brought his MBE and his gold medal which was a real privilege to see. He has been a great supporter and always sends us good luck messages before our big events.

“As a Major winner and Olympic champion, he is an inspiration to everyone who plays golf for the county.

“It was a lovely, relaxed hour chatting with him – and then he made the tea for us, which was a funny moment. It was a great gesture and a huge treat. The lads loved it.”