Colchester Golf Club teenager Ben David says it was an “honour” to win the Eden Trophy at St Andrews.

And the 19-year-old is hoping that his impressive victory will be the perfect boost, as he prepares to compete in next month’s MENA Tour (Middle East North Africa), in Dubai.

David topped an international field to win the prestigious 36-hole qualifying scratch and handicap matchplay tournament.

The Lexden teenager saw off stiff competition from nearly 250 talented amateur players from all over the world to claim victory at the famous golf venue.

After qualifying, he progressed through six stages to beat Adam Stone by one hole in the final, to lift the trophy.

David said: “I’m very honoured to have won it. I went there with no expectations but I was confident with my game, going into it.

“I beat a talented 14-year-old Belgium lad (Lucas Becht) in the quarter-finals 3 and 2.

“I did that by getting five birdies and no bogeys and I think at that point, I started to feel like I had a chance.”

David, who plays off scratch, is now preparing to take part in the MENA Tour.

He added: “I can’t wait – it should be great and I feel very confident – to see how I stack up against pros will be interesting.”

Colchester GC were well represented at the Eden Trophy, with David’s Thornton Cup partner George Whitbread also performing well.

Whitbread reached the semi-finals where he was beaten 2 and 1 by Stone.

David said: “It puts Colchester Golf Club on the map in a big tournament, where players from all over the world took part.”