England’s Luke Goddard held his nerve to put England through to the final of the European Amateur Team Championship, capping off a singles comeback against Norway on the second extra hole.
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After losing the foursomes 2-0 in the morning, the English had it all to do but with Matt Haines, Sam Hutsby and Tommy Fleetwood all winning they gave themselves a chance against the number one seeds after the strokeplay.
But with Dale Whitnell losing to Are Friestad, England were left waiting for Goddard, pictured left, as he finished all square after 18 against Espen Kofstad.
The Norwegian had a chance on the first extra hole, only to see his putt slip past, but got caught up in the rough on the second and was unable to get close with a downhill chip. Goddard played the hole solidly to close out the match.
It means one of golf’s classic encounters with England taking on Scotland in the final for the sixth time in the European Amateur Team Championship.
Goddard was delighted with his victory and the place in the final. “I knew on the 16th it was probably coming down to my game, so to win is a very good feeling,” he said.
“I was three down after four holes, which is obviously not the best of starts but I got it all square through nine. I am just very pleased to put England in the final.
“There is always pressure and as we lost two nil this morning I knew it could come down to the last match.
“Norway did it yesterday having been two down and winning so we just had to hold our nerve.
“We have been cruising up to here but we certainly had a challenge today and we were up to it.
“Italy were one of the favourites along with us so it should be a good final. In some ways it is the classiv final with Ireland and Wales missing the top flight, Scotland are a good team but we are looking forward to it. We have got a strong team so I think we will beat them.”