Kris Kim triumphed in a play-off to provide a fitting climax to the McGregor Trophy at Hunstanton Golf Club.

Stars such as Justin Rose, Edoardo Molinari and Rasmus Højgaard have previously won the 72-hole international tournament, which is the English Boys' Under-16 Open Championship.

And this week Surrey golfer Kim added his name to the list of victors after a superb performance in which he displayed guts and skill in equal measures.

The England Boys’ international opened up with a solid three-under-par 69. But he looked to have played his way out of contention on the second afternoon, struggling on the front nine in challenging conditions.  

Kim recorded a nine at the par-4 third hole and went to the turn in 45 before coming home in 14 fewer shots. His comeback was as much a demonstration of character as it was significant talent.

The immaculately-presented north Norfolk links course was becalmed on the following morning and Kim’s class came to the fore with a brilliant third-round 64 that lifted him to the leaderboard summit.

Starting the afternoon play with a one-shot advantage, the Walton Heath golfer went further clear and it seemed that he would ease to the title.

But England Under-16 ace Cameron Mukherjee produced some marvellous golf of his own that culminated in him holing out for eagle from 144 yards on the 18th. That stunning 9-iron blow took him to 12-under-par and forced a play-off with Kim.

Both teenagers were bunkered off the tee at the first extra hole where Mukherjee appeared to go favourite after pitching to five feet with his third stroke.

Kim was more than three times that distance away, but again showed his heart by draining the putt before his opponent followed him in for par.

The pair moved across from the first hole to the adjacent 18th where Kim struck an imperious 8-iron approach to 12 feet.

Mukherjee’s second shot eventually settled towards the back of the green from where he was unable to convert a difficult mid-range putt.

The stage was set for Kim to deliver the telling blow and his gently turning right-to-left birdie putt never looked like missing. 

Kim, 15, said: “It means everything. It’s my last time to play this event, so it’s really special to have won it. With the weather in the second round, anything could have happened. I’m happy with the result.”

Cambridgeshire golfer – and Hunstanton member – Sam Marshall finished in a share of 25th place. Norfolk’s Harry Thomas missed the halfway cut, which came at three-over-par, by three strokes.

McGregor Trophy (Hunstanton Golf Club) leading scores: 276: K Kim* (Walton Heath) 69 76 64 67; C Mukherjee (Gullane) 68 73 70 65. 279: B Bolton (Enville) 66 72 72 69. 281: S Egging (Rijk van Nijmegen, Holland) 72 70 71 68. 284: S Davies (Wallasey) 75 71 69 69; A Boyes (Teesside) 70 72 71 71; J Brash (Burhill) 68 73 72 71. Selected: 287: C Rusbridge (Colne Valley) 75 67 73 72. 292: S Marshall 76 71 72 73. 150: H Thomas (Eaton) 77 73.

*Kris Kim won at the 2nd play-off hole