Hartpury University golfer Alex Talbot has clinched top spot in an international tournament in the Middle East.

Talbot, who is studying a BA (Hons) Sports Business Management degree, finished as the joint number one amateur at the first event on the 2019 Mena Golf Tour at Ayla Golf Club in Jordan.

A member of the Golf Academy at Hartpury, he fired a level-par score of 216 over three testing rounds to share top billing in the amateur section, as well as finishing in seventh place overall.

Talbot is able to devote time to improving his golf as well as studying for a degree thanks to Hartpury’s strong commitment to providing student athletes with flexibility over timetabling.

He has made good progress since enrolling at Hartpury College, which sits alongside Hartpury University on the same 360-hectare campus, to study a Level 3 Extended Diploma Sport (Performance and Excellence).

Matt Ellis, the Golf Academy Manager at Hartpury, said: “Alex, who had a handicap of one when he joined us as a college student, is an extremely hard worker and passionate for the game of golf.

“He has his eyes set on a professional career and last year he began to make great strides by achieving several high finishes in some national events.

“This resulted in his handicap being cut to +3 and now he has some excellent foundations for the future.

“This tournament result in Jordan is another step forward and, while he still has some way to go in order to reach his goals, this just shows the potential that he possesses.

“It was a great result and we are very proud of him.”

Golf students at Hartpury have access to a wide range of facilities on campus, including a 10-bay indoor range, a 5x4m indoor putting green, a USGA short-game area and an outdoor artificial putting green.

Golf students can also access local courses and professionals on a regular basis, including the facilities at key partner Tewkesbury Park Golf Club.