The North Oxford pairing of Simon Kimber and Carolyn Sampson are this week celebrating their victory in one of the oldest and most celebrated mixed foursomes competitions in the country.

Kimber, who plays off three, and 16-handicapper Sampson came through seven rounds before winning the final of the Sunningdale Fleming Foursomes on the famous Old Course.

After nine holes, the North Oxford pair were two up, but their opponents, professional Mark Squire and Mary Roberts from Ellesborough, fought back to bring the game all square after 18 holes.

In a tense sudden-death play-off, Kimber found his putting touch and eventually sank a 15-footer to win the match at the 23rd.

It is the second time that Kimber has reached the final of the Fleming Foursomes, which runs through eight months, with every match played at Sunningdale.

The event, in its 45th year, is open to professionals. Neil Coles, Bernard Gallacher and Michael King are previous winners. The Duke of York entered this year but was knocked out in the first round.

When just a 16-year-old, Kimber finished runner-up with Margaret Booth in 1984.

"This is probably the best win of my career,'' said Kimber, who helps run the professional's shop at North Oxford. "I must pay tribute to Carolyn, who is very competitive."

This competitive instinct was vital in the semi-finals, when they came back from two down with two to play and won on the 19th.

The pair only teamed up when Kimber's previous partner, Frances Matthews, became pregnant last year.

"We always seem to play well together," said Kimber.