HAMPSHIRE golfer Paul Neilson knew he had struck a good tee shot at the fifth hole during a competitive cup match.

Then he heard a group of players in front making a noise and feared they were moaning.

But instead they were cheering his amazing hole in one and possible entry into the record books.

The fifth hole at the South Winchester Golf Club is 391 yards long, plus the three yards from the tee, making his shot the longest hole in one in the country, by one yard.

Spurred on by the albatross on the par four hole Paul, who plays off zero, went on to win the Easter Cup with a seven under par 65.

Paul, 34, of Hound Manor, Netley Abbey, near Southampton, a fruit buying agent, said: "I hit the ball and knew I had nailed it. Four ladies were on the green. After a few seconds they started jumping around. I didn't see it go in. When I was told I felt deep joy.

"It was quite a strange moment. I stood at the tee shaking. I was quite surprised. There was some champagne drunk that evening.

"Winning the Easter Cup is a great start to my season but to shoot such a great score and to achieve a hole in one on a par four is great for the confidence."

The club in Pitt has contacted Guinness World Records which used to publish the UK record. A spokesman said they only now include the world record of some 450 yards.

It has also contacted the Royal and Ancient Club at St Andrews, the guardians of the game, to verify the record.