Roger Tuddenham admitted it was “total and utter” surprise to find himself in contention for the Silversea Senior PGA Professional Championship at Foxhills.

The PGA in Hampshire secretary clawed his way up up the leaderboard on the final day to force a play-off with Fraser Mann (Carnoustie Links) and Paul Streeter (Lincoln Golf Centre).

All three notched an even par total of 218 with Tuddenham finishing with a splendid three-under 70 after an opening 75 followed by a 73..

Tuddenham, however, bogeyed the first play-off hole to drop out of contention as Mann went on to claim top spot for the second time in three years.

The consolation for the popular administrator, who played a couple of nine holes at Foxhills the previous weekend with his son Thomas, was nearly £4, 000 in prize money.

Tuddenham said: “I am elated as I only play for fun these days. I thought it was going to be a long week when I was three over after six holes in the first round and it was raining heavily..

“But I started growing in confidence and halfway through the tournament and I thought I would just go for it. It almost paid off.

“The play-off was just a hole too far as I was waiting for 40 minutes before going on the tee. It was still an incredible experience, though.”

Tuddenham was back in the swing of things 24 hours later, this time at cricket. As 2nd XI captain of village side Hyde CC near Fordingbridge, Tuddenham helped his team to victory 24 hours later.

He added: “It was a wonderful sporting week for me what with golf and cricket. Mind you I paying the price now as I am aching all over!”