Josh Kelly is lucky to be alive let alone playing golf off a four handicap.

Seven months ago the 19-year-old collapsed unconscious on the doorstep of his Brighton home when a blood vessel burst in his brain.

For ten weeks he lay in hospital while his parents gave thanks that the cerebral rupture had not proved fatal.

Happily his recovery has been remarkable and Kelly, who has no memory of that night, resumed playing golf without any ill effects.

Kelly's game was sharp enough to play for Hollingbury Park in the PAV i.t. Trophy - and win twice on the day.

His opponent in the singles was Lindfield's Dan Croucher, like Josh a former Hollingbury junior. Although Kelly won by one hole after being two down at the eighth, Hollingbury lost 6.5-5.5 to the youngest team ever to compete in the Sussex Matchplay knockout championship.

The focus, however, was on Kelly. Team manager Sean Coe said: "He was at death's door but has come back and done really well on returning to the game in September. He was my partner in the foursomes when we were pleased to win.

"At present he isn't allowed to work and I believe he would like to be a greenkeeper. He used to help out in Graeme Crompton's shop and has also worked at a ski resort in France."

Kelly said what happened on that traumatic night was regarded as a medical rarity.

"It remains a mystery," he said. "There weren't any symptoms. I don't smoke and only drink occasionally. For ten days afterwards my mind was a blank. It was terrible for my parents and I'm only too happy to be okay for their sakes."

He has been playing less than four years and started off with lessons from Paul Dobson at the Sussex Downs College.

The kids from the Lindfield golf academy ranged from 15-18 years and were competing in the Trophy for the first time since the name change from Paxhill Park. Originally drawn at home, the venue was switched to Hollingbury because the course was too wet.

James Sharp, a Hollingbury junior, attends the academy and played against his parent club and won. When Hollingbury won the first three singles it looked as though they would enter the second round.

But Lindfield's middle and lower order produced four wins and a half to turn the match round. The balance was tipped by Josh Goldsmith's half with Mark Nye. Had the scores tied 6-6 Lindfield would still have won on countback.

Captain Tony Armistead said: "I was delighted with the whole team at the way they came back after losing those early singles."