Norfolk touring professional Andrew Marshall has taken on two very different challenges in the lead up to Christmas - with a 6,500 mile journey in between!

Marshall jetted out to the Phillippines to compete in an event in the heat of Tarlac City, where he turned in a solid performance to finish just outside the top 20.

And on his return he was quickly back out on his home course of Bawburgh where he again played well in rather more bracing conditions to claim second position in the latest Norfolk Golfers' Alliance meeting.

Marshall had been looking for a challenge after completing a successful season on the Middle East-based Mena Tour and was happy to accept an invitation from the Phillippines Golf Tour to play in the CAT Open. Consistent play saw him finish with a two under par total, with three successive 72s followed by a two under par 70 that helped lift him into a tie for 21st position, 11 shots adrift of home winner Justin Quiban.

'I played okay but the greens were tough to read and I just didn't really find my game until last day,' said Marshall, who notched up four birdies on the final day.

The experienced pro' then headed back to the UK for a winter break to recharge his batteries - although he quickly got another round in at Bawburgh, the club he has been representing on his travels this year.

The Alliance's final meeting of 2017 was the Christmas Bring and Win, with the format of the competition being a Guildford Greensomes.

Marriott Sprowston Manor's Craig Butler took the top prize with 40 Stableford points, with Marshall his closest challenger of 38 and fellow Bawburgh player Caroline Grady completing the top three on 37.

Sheringham duo Danny Rouse and David Grand took the team honours, winning the Rush Trophy with a total of 41 points from Craig Butler and Alfie Gotts (Bawburgh), who finished a point adrift.

In a close competition four pairs shared third position on 38 points, Steve Hudson (Sheringham) and Tony Adams (Dereham), Nigel Elmar (Dereham) and Andrew Marshall, Richard Rouse (Royal Cromer) and Jon Toyn (Sheringham) and John Little (Sheringham) and Neil Featherstone (Fakenham).