The Publican Pub Golf Tournament 2010 - Grand Final

And so to Spain in World Cup final week. In a nation gripped by the sort of football fever England can only dream of, just outside Cartagena there was a far more important final taking place - the outcome of which pulpo Paul would struggle to predict…

That's right, it wasn't the World Cup, nor the Ladies Amateur Team event taking place on La Manga's south course, that the world was holding its collective breath for. All eyes were on the Grand Final of The Publican Pub Golf Tournament 2010 - sponsored by Fuller's London Pride.

Battling soaring temperatures, gusting winds and the blind tee-shots of the notoriously tricky West Course, as well as the after-effects of late-night high-jinx and some pretty terrible karaoke singing, the Pub Golf finalists huffed, puffed and sweated around Europe's top golf resort to decide the outcome of this iconic sporting event.

The VIP trip was a welcome reward for the two teams of finalists who had come through heats and regional finals to gain their places.

With its merry band of near-scratch golfing giants, the Black Horse's victory was never really in doubt and they emerged victorious by a comfortable margin, having led by six points going into the final day.

The Royal

Having taken part in every Pub Golf competition for the past 13 years, the Royal's team captain Darren Fidler was delighted to be in with a chance to win the event.

Darren runs the Royal - a Punch Taverns pub in Sheffield - with his partner, licensee Pauline Boswell. Darren met Pauline as a customer in the Royal before getting involved in running the pub.

In a closely fought two-day regional final, the Royal and the Elephant and Castle finished the second day with the same scores.

Local rules had to apply, and there was a count back on the back nine. The Royal edging to victory, securing their place in the final by just one point!

The Black Horse

Black Horse team captain Gary Coldwell is freeholder of the Black Horse in Pembury, Kent, which he has run with his wife Michelle for nearly 20 years.

The road to La Manga for the Black Horse team was a far more straightforward affair. Having taken part in three previous Pub Golf finals, they could be described as 'the pub team to beat'.

With a distinct size advantage, and handicaps ranging from one to four, they breezed through the area and regional stages, winning their regional final at the Selsdon Park, Surrey, with a staggering 284 points.

We'll be back…

Losing captain Darren Fidler said: "We had a fantastic time. You can't argue with the fact that the best team won on the day. They were good lads, cracking golfers and great boozers.

"From start to finish, it was an excellent four days and we'll definitely be taking part again next year - as we have every year for the last 13!"

Triumphant Black Horse team captain Gary Coldwell said: "We always enjoy this competition, it's rare in golf these days that you have a format that suits low handicapper, decent golfers. That's why we always take part.

"It's so well run, and the guys you meet are usually friendly and we always get on well.

"Hopefully after our 3rd victory in four years, they won't change the format, but we'll definitely be back next year."

Gary's sentiments were echoed by the Royal's Shaun Tarplett, who said: "Even if we don't get to the final next year, we'd still like to come back anyway."

It was a final played in exactly the right spirit, with plenty of banter on and off the course and thoroughly enjoyed by both teams, regardless of the result.

A special thanks must go to tournament sponsors Fuller's London Pride for a fantastic event. Fuller's Mark Roberts said: "We are delighted that London Pride, the UK's leading premium ale, continues to sponsor the pub industry's leading golf tournament.

"This is an excellent opportunity for us to reinforce our reputation as the beer of golf, across the UK and among thousands of customers. As such, this tournament is a great complement to our other golf-related advertising, sponsorship and promotional activity, underlining our status as the official beer of the English Golf Union."

To avoid disappointment for next year's competition, visit: www.a-t-c.co.uk ​ and complete an enquiry form for 2011 to ensure you receive all the details for entering your pub in advance.