GETTY/SWNS Marion Ludlam won her golf club championship after 40 years of trying

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Marion Ludlam has had her eye on the Champion’s Plate every since teeing off in the inaugural Jubilee Foursomes at Purley Downs Golf Club, Surrey in 1977. Much to her annoyance and despite taking part every years since - either with her husband Tony, 80, or son Stephen, 57, - the evergreen golfer never managed to bag the trophy.

But Mrs Ludlam showed that perseverance pays off and at the fortieth attempt the pensioner came into the clubhouse the winner along with her son Stephen. The pair took the championship this week over some much younger competition.

SWNS Mrs Ludlam had been practising for the trophy at the golf club since 1977

Finally after 40 years of trying and, with some near misses, Stephen and I have managed to win the trophy. I'm delighted. Marion Ludlam

Their 64 beaten opponents could only stand and applaud as the mother and son combination received their prize from ladies' captain Frances Wood and men's captain Keith Pitts. Mrs Ludlam, who is a past lady captain at the club, was overjoyed to finally walk away victorious.

SWNS Marion won the championship alongside her son Stephen