IT took a sudden-death playoff hole to decide the winner of the Coffs Harbour Golf Club men’s club championship.

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Having started the weekend six-strokes behind 18 year-old Billy Flanagan, Jason Barby shot a 68 on Saturday before holding a one stroke lead with one hole to play on Sunday but was unable to keep the teen at bay.

Flanagan made a clutch five foot par-putt on the final green while Barby paid the price for a pushed tee shot with a bogey to see the pair tied on 3-over 284 after 72 holes.

Earlier the tie at the top looked unlikely when Flanagan made a bogey on the 12th and then followed up with a double-bogey on the next hole to see Barby leading by two strokes with only five holes to play.

Flanagan shot three birdies on the closing stretch to keep himself in the fight.

A performance which wowed Barby.

“He’s got some mongrel in him doesn’t he?

“He was really good down the stretch, I was really impressed,” Barby said.

In the playoff it was Flanagan who sent his tee shot on the 18th hole to the right before hitting his third shot long.

Meanwhile Barby made a regulation par knowing that he could three-putt and still win.

It was the sixth time Barby has won the club championship and continued his hot form which saw him win the North Coast Amateur Open a month earlier.

After the playoff victory though Barby was more interested in talking about the runner-up than himself.

“I’m obviously very happy with the result but I’m more impressed with Billy’s demeanour to be honest,” he said.

“He held the lead for three and a half rounds and it’s three weeks.

“So it’s a long time to be thinking about it and that’s hard, it’s not easy.

“It’s almost easier coming from behind.”

Clinton Lavender finished ahead of Anthony Szymfeld and Phil McLean to win the B-Grade title while John Senes was four strokes clear of Chris Andrews in the C-Grade division.

On the final day Trent Jones shot an outstanding 7-under 64 on the Lakes Course to set a new course record.

The big final day ensured Jones won the A-Grade nett prize.

Marty McFadden was the nett winner in B-Grade while Blake Andrews was an incredible 43 nett strokes ahead of the next player in C-Grade.

The senior champion was Bruce Silvia and Harry McMillan was named as the junior champion.

By Brad GREENSHIELDS