South Bradford golfer wins superb double before big move

But speaking to the T&A after his weekend win at Keighley Golf Club, Tasker admitted South Bradford had “served its purpose” for him, and that next year he will be starting afresh elsewhere.

Tasker discussed his double first, an incredible achievement given he had never won either tournament before.

He said: “I think it’s been coming for a long time, me claiming one of those Bradford Union trophies.

“But to win both in the same year is a shock to the system, it’s incredible really.”

Tasker had a tough run to the Amateur Matchplay final, and did not beat any of his four opponents prior to Walker by a greater margin than 3&2.

He reflected: “Every game was close all the way through to the final.

“I was up against some very good players, who’ve been at a high level for a long time.

“I faced (three-time Matchplay champion) Rob Hillas in the first round, which was a standout tie that was picked out as one from the start.

“There were plenty of times in those matches I felt like I was on the ropes and that it was game over.

“After sneaking through a few tight games, to make it to the final then get over the line at the end was pleasing.”

As for his 6&4 win over Bradford Moor golfer Walker in the final, Tasker said: “It wasn’t the prettiest of games, and both of us would admit we were scrappy on Sunday at times.

“I’ve had a strong year and carrying the momentum from that into the final definitely helped.

“Having won the Bradford Open and a few other bits during the year, that’s always a good experience to feed off when it’s not quite going your way.

“But then on the back nine I was able to put my foot down a bit, put that extra 10 per cent of quality in and got the title sealed up.”

Oliver Tasker. pictured with the Bradford Open title in July, admits that success helped him come through to win on Sunday. (Image: UGC.)

Tasker is not standing still and basking in the glory of his double however, with some big changes happening for him over the winter and into 2025.

He said: “It’s exciting times and it’s a fresh start for me next year, moving on from South Bradford to Bradford Golf Club.

“I have big plans through the winter to put some time into practicing, which I haven’t done over the last few years as I’ve been slacking in that department.

“I want to push myself a bit more, but I’ll be staying amateur and hoping to build on my positive season this year.

“I also want to spearhead the Bradford Union team forward and get them back on track because we’ve had a disappointing last few years in the Inter-District League.”

Expanding on his reasons for moving to a new club, Tasker said: “I wouldn’t say there’s been a fallout with South Bradford, and I want to thank them for all the support they’ve given me during my time there over the last four years.

“But it served its purpose for what I needed at the right time and, for my own ambitions, it’s time for me to push on a bit more.

“The Bradford Golf Club is moving in the right direction, the facilities are excellent and the course is probably the best in the Union.”