IAN Southgate has followed in his son’s footsteps to clinch an unprecedented double for the family.

Matt Southgate won last year’s county championships in Danbury. And now his dad has clinched the senior title.

That means both trophies belong to the same family for the first time in the history of the competitions and that has delighted Ian.

“We’re really pleased that we’ve managed to achieve this,” said Ian, who plays for the Southend on Sea club.

“It’s been a long time coming but I’m really enjoying my golf again and it was great to win the tournament.”

Ian’s triumph came at the Chelmsford Golf Club last weekend and after a strict diet, which saw him shed two stone in three months.

That helped improve his game and rediscover his enjoyment for the sport.

“For quite some time I have enjoyed watching Matt play more than getting out there myself,” said Ian.

“But after losing the weight I found I could hit the ball far better, especially after Matt gave me a few tips.

“It’s certainly working at the moment, but I’m not sure how much longer it will last.”

Ian was an early leader at Chelmsford, along with Braintree’s Robert Barrell who both fired first round 71s.

The next day the conditions got even worse. Ian was out in one of the early groups and posted a 74 for the clubhouse Lead.

An hour later Barrell came in with 75 to give Ian victory by one shot.

He will now represent Essex in the Senior Champion of Champions Final at Woodhall Spa in September.

However, Ian and Matt will only be joint holders for another two weeks until the county Championship is played at Crondon Park over the weekend of July 2 as Matt – who has won the tournament two years running – is now not allowed to enter having turned pro