Riveting finish at Morocco Matchplay

The Morocco Matchplay, powered by HowDidiDo, came to a thrilling climax as Ian Cook fought back from 4-down to claim the coveted singles title

The Morocco Matchplay, powered by HowDidiDo, came to a thrilling climax as Ian Cook fought back from 4-down to claim the coveted singles title.

The eight-handicapper from Hull wiped out the deficit by the 17th and claimed the trophy with a sublime up-and-down at the 18th hole.

The 44-year old had won each of his previous four matches over both courses at Royal Dar es Salam - the Blue and Red - and the Tony Jacklin Casablanca.

"I'm still shaking now to be honest. It's unbelievable," said Cook.

"The hardest format in golf is matchplay and just my nerves coming down that last hole proved it to me.

"I've never won anything as prestigious as this - I've done OK before, but not won it. It mean's everything to me - it's brilliant."

Three other titles were also decided at the grand final.

Gary Catt and Eileen McMillan won the mixed title, Jack Crompton and Terry Battersby claimed the open pairs and Steve Adkins and Robert Turner reigned supreme in the seniors pairs.

"It's been a fantastic week. To go out at this time of year to play golf in this weather on great courses, it's been tremendous," said Adkins.

"It's superb here. It's much greener than I imagined. The weather has been fantastic for this time of year and they're really friendly people, very hospitable."

In total, 30 finalists were treated to complimentary return flights to Morocco, six nights' accommodation and five rounds of golf.

They came through local and regional finals during 2014 in a competition open to any golfer who is a member of a HowDidiDo-affiliated club with an officially recognised handicap.