UK's Battle Back retains Captain Pietsche Trophy

UK's Battle Back retains Captain Pietsche Trophy

A team of wounded ex-British servicemen have returned home victorious after defeating their American counterparts in the Captain Pietsche Trophy.

The Ryder Cup-esque competition - inaugurated in 2011 - sees ten golfers from the British military's Battle Back initiative take on a team from the USA's Wounded Warrior Project.

Battle Back aims to re-introduce wonded, injured and sick servicemen to adventurous training and sporting endeavours.

After securing funding from Help for Heroes and the Royal Foundation's Endeavour Fund, the Battle Back team headed to St Augustine in Florida to defend the title they won 12.5 - 7.5 at Burhill Golf Club in 2013.

Battle Back made a great start to the three-day tournament - which aptly started on September 11 - by triumphing 4-1 in the fourballs.

Buoyed by their first-day performance, Battle Back were rampant in the Greensomes, claiming a 4.5 - 0.5 victory to head into the singles with a commanding 8.5 - 1.5 lead.

Despite a strong start from the Wounded Warriors - who recorded three of the first four points - Battle Back bounced back, notching a 6-4 singles win for a comprehensive 14.5 - 5.5 overall victory.

"It was a fantastic performance and the team are obviously delighted," said Battle Back captain Chf Tech Keith Davies.

Lt Col Tristan Crew added: " To post this kind of victory is credit to the commitment and professionalism of this team of golfers. I am very proud of what they have achieved.

"Events like these don't happen without significant support. We are indebted to The Endeavour Fund and Help for Heroes for providing the financial backing.

"Their contribution has significantly enriched the lives of the 20 competitiors and served to inspire the other 128 Battle Back golfers."

The fourth playing of the Captain Pietsch Trophy takes place at former Ryder Cup host venue Walton Heath in September 2014. The honours currently lie at 2-1 to the UK.