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Congratulations James! You've beaten over 100 players to be crowned the Champion of Yorkshire - tell us what's running through your head at this moment?
I'm absolutely ecstatic. I came here just to enjoy myself and beyond my wildest dreams I qualified for the finals. It's starting to settle in now but at first I couldn't believe it - I was walking round for a couple of days thinking how did this happen?!

I'm absolutely ecstatic. I came here just to enjoy myself and beyond my wildest dreams I qualified for the finals.

What made you enter the TT?
The Trilby Tour is one of the biggest amateur competitions out there and I wanted to give it a try. It's an opportunity to experience what the pros go through and I wanted to test myself in a stressful situation. But the entry itself was bought as a Valentine's present by my girlfriend, I'd been dropping subtle hints previously haha.

Why did you choose to enter at the KP Club?
I have been a member here for a couple of years so it made sense to choose this venue - I thought I might have a better chance and I needed all the help I could get.
I saw it on Sky last year and played in the corporate event so this year a group of us decided to play. My friend Rob Hill is playing in the Norwich Championship at Marriott Sprowston Manor so I'm going to be his caddy but I'll probably end up winding him up on the day haha! But I have to say the KP clubhouse is fantastic. It's very family friendly and there's no snobbiness - it's stylish but laidback - perfect for the Trilby Tour. After the event, the atmosphere was electric and the camaraderie was outstanding.

After the event, the atmosphere was electric and the camaraderie was outstanding.

Tell us about your day. How did you feel you played?
I didn't think I had done enough to qualify as I didn't think I had played that well. I teed off at 8:20am but then in the afternoon, after I'd finished my 18 holes, I started to relax and was on the beer and JD cocktails. It wasn't until 4pm that I noticed the scores and realised that I had to sober up sharpish!

Where is your cup now?
It's sitting in pride of place on the sideboard in the living room.

How did you cope with the cameras?
I hate my photo being taken and I hate being on film, but I didn't feel any pressure until the playoff. It was very intimidating.

What are your thoughts on the final?
I can't believe I'm going to be the person I saw last year on the telly. I'm looking forward to it and the whole build up, but I'm also very nervous. There's a minibus going down to the finals from the KP Club, including my caddy and girlfriend. After my win, Aaron ( Aaron Pheasant, director at the KP Club) put up posters of me around the club and people were coming up to me and calling me a bandit, it was a bit surreal, I felt like I was in a goldfish bowl!

I can't believe I'm going to be the person I saw last year on the telly. I'm looking forward to it and the whole build up, but I'm also very nervous.

What would winning the William Hunt Trilby Tour Championship mean to you?
I don't even what to think about that. It would be the pinnacle of what I could achieve in golf. It's a huge challenge but one hopefully I'll rise to.

How did you get into golf?
I started out playing on a school field when I was 11 with my friends and my caddy Dean was one of them. I didn't take up golf seriously until 3 years ago.

How did you find the clothing?
I loved the look and the style - I love the Goldfinger look. The tops are fantastic although we need bigger trilbies next year for those of us with bigger heads! The great thing about the TT is that everyone makes an effort and people can even get shoes to match their outfit.

What has been your greatest achievement so far?
Meeting Annabel my girlfriend; we had a rough ride to get where we are, and she's made me the happiest I can be. After my win, I forgot to thank her and felt awful so I'd like to take this opportunity to thank her for all her support.

Describe yourself in a sentence?
I'm outgoing and confident but I can be insecure, shy and nervous. I'm a bit of a contradiction, but I'm a happy go lucky guy. I love life.

What's your motto in life?
Treat people how you want to be treated.

Who is your golf hero?
Nick Faldo and Seve Ballesteros - they're complete opposites although I'd like to think some of my shots on the day had influences from both of them.

Last words for William Hunt?
Thank you very much for putting on such a fantastic event . I appreciate it must take a hell of lot of work - please keep working at it and keep it growing.

 

To view the full results of the day click here