A restauranteur from New Malden has won the over-45 category of the American Golf UK Long Drive Championship, blasting an enormous drive of 410 yards.

Charles Seo, 49, who owns a restaurant in Soho and is soon to open a second in Shaftsbury Avenue, secured victory after seeing off rivals in a succession of rounds, including Steve Kent, who beat him in the final in 2015.

He said: “I’ve been playing golf for over 40 years and this really is my dream come true. I’ve always been the longest hitter between my friends and thought I would be good at long drive, but to actually win the American Golf UK Championship is an amazing feeling.

“I’ve come so close over the last three years. I lost in the final in 2015 and the semi-final in 2016 so I’ve been training hard for this year. I came up with my own special training in the swimming pool to improve my flexibility and it’s all paid off.

Mr Seo will go on to represent the UK in the World Championships in Oklahoma, USA next month

He said: “I will just carry on working hard now and if I hit as well in the World Championships I will have a real chance.”

Entry to all American Golf championships are free; to find out more visit americangolf.co.uk/free-tournaments/free-tournaments.html.