Balazs Tompa takes first tour title at British Singles Matchplay in Prestatyn

The 2025 British Singles Matchplay brought together 24 players for a weekend of competitive, head-to-head minigolf. After a series of closely fought matches across both the group and knockout stages, Balazs Tompa emerged as the overall winner, defeating Chris Randell in a tight final that went all the way to the 18th hole.

The event began with a group stage, with players divided into six groups of four. Each player played three matches within their group. The six group winners progressed to the knockout rounds, with the four best records earning direct spots in the quarter-finals. The remaining two group winners, along with the top six runners-up, played an extra knockout round to determine the rest of the quarter-final field.

In Group A, Chris Randell was dominant, winning all three of his matches. Marton Geda did the same in Group B. Group C was a closer affair, with Richard Jones narrowly edging out Ted McIver on hole difference after both finished with two wins. Group D was led by Tony Davis, who remained unbeaten. Ruth Sturdy topped Group E with two wins and a draw, while Group F saw Philip Sandy and Balazs Tompa finish level on points, with Sandy taking first place on hole difference.

The opening knockout round featured several decisive performances. Richard Jones beat Mark Ingram by 1 up, Andy Wilde saw off Ted McIver, Philip Sandy beat Peter Jones 4 and 3, and Balazs Tompa defeated Finn McPherson 4 and 2.

In the quarter-finals, Chris Randell was pushed to the limit by Richard Jones, eventually winning on the first extra hole. Andy Wilde got past Tony Davis with a 2-up win, while Philip Sandy beat Ruth Sturdy 2 and 1. Balazs Tompa secured his place in the last four with a 2 and 1 win over Marton Geda.

The semi-finals continued the trend of close matches. Randell needed another extra hole to get past Philip Sandy, while Tompa maintained control to beat Andy Wilde 2 up.

The final between Randell and Tompa was a fitting end to the weekend. The match was tight throughout, with both players matching each other shot for shot. In the end, Tompa held his nerve over the closing holes and sealed a 1-up victory to win the title.

Meanwhile, players who didn’t make it out of the group stage competed in the Plate competition. In the quarter-finals, Scott Lancley beat Richard Mandeville 2 and 1, Hazel Ingram defeated Ethan Lancley 4 and 3, Jas Kukielka beat John Sharp 2 and 1, and Henri Myers got past Christine Jones 3 and 2. John Sharp then defeated Lancley 3 and 2 in the semi-finals, while Steve Sturdy edged out Myers 1 up. In the Plate final, Sharp played steady golf to beat Sturdy 3 and 1 and claim the Plate title.

The weekend saw a wide range of matchplay battles — some straightforward, others decided by the smallest of margins. Ultimately, Balazs Tompa’s consistent play under pressure made the difference, earning him the 2025 British Singles Matchplay crown.

Well played to all who took part, you can look at all the results and final standings here