SOUTH Bradford Golf Club have made history after being crowned Division One Scratch League Champions for the first time ever.

Captain Andy Crowe, Oliver Tasker, Scot Minto, Archie Rowntree and Andrew Busfield were able to celebrate the achievement last Friday (July 21) following a tense final day of the season, which saw South Bradford claim the title despite defeat against Bingley St Ives.

Northcliffe ran them right down to the wire but a loss against Cleckheaton in the final fixture proved costly for the side chasing the league leaders.

It was a long time coming for everyone at South Bradford Golf Club, but they will now get their hands on the prestigious Division One title after 117 years of existence (formed 1906).

Busfield, who is also the Bradford Golf Union captain, admitted that it’s a day he’ll treasure forever.

He said: “It’s a dream come true to win a Division One trophy for this great club and it’s even more special to be a part of the team that achieved South Bradford’s first ever title.

“In my memory of playing there since I was a kid, it’s definitely the best thing that I’ve seen the club achieve.

“My comments to the team at the start of every season are that we must represent the golf club in the right way and try our best to win. In previous years, we’ve always been the underdogs and we’ve always been fighting to stay in the division. So, to actually win it is just out of this world.”

Busfield’s Scratch League teammates, Tasker, Minto and Rowntree have all impressed throughout the campaign and played major roles in bringing the championship back to South Bradford.

The Bradford Union captain heaped praise onto all three individuals when discussing the balance and unity between the team.

He said: “In the past, it’s always been quite difficult for us to compete right at the very top of Division One because we perhaps haven’t had the resources that the other teams have had.

“Some teams have between seven and 11 players to pick from, whereas we have to rely on the four players that we’ve got available to us.

“However, we had Scot Minto joining us for this season who was superb; I think he’s only lost one game. He’s been a rock for the team.

“Oliver Tasker, likewise, has been phenomenal for us in his third year playing with the team. He’s been extremely consistent, while he’s someone you can always rely on.

“One personal achievement I must mention is that of Archie Rowntree. It was his first season in the first team last year and he suffered a few losses, which of course can’t be good for confidence.

“He went away, practiced a lot and played exceptionally well for us. It’s been great to see him progress and he’s clearly enjoying his golf.”

Winning Division One has brought South Bradford Golf Club a historic treble, with the West Yorkshire side having already won the prestigious single stroke and Inter Club Fourball Championship on April 30, which was followed by the Nine-Hole Clubs Team Championship.

Busfield admitted that the team’s success wouldn’t have been possible without the support of several individuals.

He said: “What I’ve noticed, and the other teams have noticed is that we’ve all had an extremely supporting, encouraging and helpful caddy this time around.

“I’d love to give a special mention to Simon O’brian, Sean Gutcell, Craig Boldy, Peter Pilgrim, Luke Fawcett and Simon Sagin because they’ve all been extremely supportive in the caddy.”