Kent golfer Todd Adcock emerged from the shadows of amateur golf to win the English Amateur Championship.

The 23-year-old member of the Nevill Golf Club in Tunbridge Wells stormed though the gruelling six-day tournament at the National Golf Centre in Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, eventually defeating Northumberland’s Chris Paisley 2&1 in the 36-hole final on Saturday.

Adcock ousted another local rising star, Maidstone’s Thomas Sherreard - who leapt to fame since finishing tied for 19th in the Open at Royal Birkdale last month - in the semi-final.

His 3&1 victory over the 20-year-old Chart Hills member - who attends Georgia State University in the US - came as something of a shock, especially after being two down after four holes.

Sherreard said: “I fell at the final hurdle. Things just ran out on me. Nothing fell for me but you have days like that.”

Adcock - who was Sussex champion in 2007 - was then three holes behind at one stage in the final but kept his nerve to win four consecutive holes down the final stretch, eventually claiming the title with a hole to spare.

“I’m amazed,” he said, “I’ve just taken each round at a time.”

The three-handicapper added: “A few months ago I wasn’t playing well... but I’ve been working hard and this tops it off.”

Frank Prescott, secretary at the Nevill, was full of praise for the club’s outstanding golfer. “It’s a magnificent achievement and the club is very proud of Todd by association. Todd has come through the junior section here and he is a great credit to the club.”

Past winners of the English Amateur include six-time major winner Nick Faldo (1975) and Ryder Cup star Paul Casey (1999 and 2000).