Hugh Adams wins Reid Trophy
England’s Hugh Adams held his nerve to win the Reid Trophy on the fourth hole of a sudden death play-off at Reading Golf Club.
The 13-year-old from Hagley Golf Club in Worcestershire defeated Spain’s Angel Ayora with a par and said: “It just felt great. I was just excited to lift up the trophy.
“I didn’t come here expecting to win, I’m only 13 and I’ve still got another year so I was just trying to play well.”
However, when he got within four shots of the lead after two rounds he was determined to go for it – and secured his place in the play-off with his three-under 67. It gave him a level par total and a tie with Ayora who closed with 66.
“I tried to get off to a quick start,” he said. “I didn’t really know anything until about the 14th or 15th, but when I birdied the 16th I knew I had a chance.
“Everything just started to go my way, I had a couple of nice bounces, took advantage of my luck and holed some nice putts.”
Adams actually had a 10-footer on the 18th to win outright, but it slid past the hole and he was into the play-off.
He’d been involved in sudden death once before and although he lost that time – on the eighth hole – the experience helped him.
“I was quite relaxed, quite calm, but definitely determined,” he said.
The first three play-off holes were halved in par, but on the fourth Ayora’s drive went behind a tree and his next just slipped out of bounds.
Adams, who plays for his county, has been in good form this season, with high finishes at both the Midlands U16 championship and the Douglas Johns Trophy. “It’s been going well,” he said.
Four other boys were in the top ten: Stuart Reis (Welwyn Garden City), Manato Nakatini (Hendon), Harley Smith (The Rayleigh Club) and Luke Perkins (Frilford Heath).
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Little Foxes Rock in L & R
Part of our mission in Leicestershire & Rutland County Ladies Golf is to grow the game from the bottom up as well as developing our elite golfers.
So we were delighted to be given the opportunity to participate in the England Golf /Golf Foundation sponsored GGR campaign in 2017 which is dedicated to attracting girls to golf, and not only give them skills but also have the chance to have fun and make friends. GGR started with taster sessions at four golf centres in Leicestershire where they could try golf for the first time.
70 new to the game girls came along and 43 of them continued with five week coaching sessions at the same clubs. When that was all over they were all invited to Beedles Lake in June for a celebration GGR Jamboree event where they took their first steps onto a golf course on the short Oaks layout, with other fun and game activities included too.
It was a great success and now 20 of the girls are receiving regular coaching at county level as new L&R teams are formed. These are the “Little Foxes “– our next generation!!
The progress being made is awesome! Their handicaps are dropping – one girl going from 54 to 24 in a season! A 36 handicapper now off 11 and qualifying for the Abraham Trophy – National Most Improved Girl golfer – and others are improving at a rate that is right for them. But perhaps more importantly, they are enjoying the coaching sessions and a new friendship group has been formed.
More development opportunities grow out of using our Ambassadors (older more experienced girls) as mentors and supporters. They have enjoyed taking the younger ones under their very capable wings and in so doing have enhanced their own social and interpersonal skills. All good for the CV!
GGR 2018 was welcomed with the same energy and enthusiasm! This year we attracted 60 new girls to golf in the taster sessions, of which 40 have gone on to the 5-week coaching programme. We are obviously keen to see the results and provide opportunities for yet another “new generation” to be developed. As a new Little Fox Squad is developed, so the development pathway leads girls from one step on the ladder to the next.
Our ambassadors
This is how to grow the game! The recipe works and can be used across other sections of our communities!
So to all girls everywhere- if you haven’t tried it, you don’t know what you’re missing!
Golf is an amazing game for life! You’ll have great fun, make great friends – and we’ll help you every step of the Way!! Bring the family along too!!!
Anita Higginson, County Junior Organiser & Immediate Past President
Haydens success in Top 10 champions
Eight year-old Hayden Sarfo from the West Midlands has taken a step closer to a professional career after he finished in the top 10 at the IMG World Golf Championship finals.
Eight year-old Hayden Sarfo, from Droitwich, finished ninth in the 7-8 age category at the IMG global tournament in San Diego – where he came up against 80 of the best golfers in the world within his age group.
Hayden, who already plays at county level, finished the three-day tournament at three under par, helped by brother Brandon, an England U16s golfer, who caddied for his younger brother in the Californian sunshine.
He finished nine shots behind the eventual winner, Yuma Nemoto from Japan. Six of this year’s top 10 finishers had played in 2017.
Hayden said: “I loved playing in the competition in America and also enjoyed meeting new players and friends from Australia, Brazil, USA, China and the Philippines.
“It was really tough playing in hot weather over the three days but I am pleased to have finished in the top ten and to have made some great shots. My best was the chip in for a birdie on hole three in my final round. I have more competitions coming up this year and I hope it is the start of a great golfing summer.”
Hayden Sarfo – IMG Junior World Championship
Following the success in the USA, and in high placed finishes in tournaments in the UK, Hayden’s handicap is now 23.6. This year he will continue to play as part of the Worcestershire County Under 14s golf squad, the youngest member of the team, and other national events.
Businesses and individuals interested in becoming a Funding Ambassador for Hayden and his 16 year-old brother Brandon, who is also an elite golfer, can email funding@sarfogolf.com or call 07976 433254.
A specially designed funding information pack can be requested on their website, BrandonandHaydengolf.com.
Shires Junior Tour 2018
Shires Junior Golf Tour, along with Par + Golf apparel, are the new sponsors of our junior sections, both online and in the magazine too.
Par + Golf information here: https://midlandsgolfer.co.uk/pargolf-junior-apparel/
About SJGT
Shires Junior Golf Tour offers a structured programme where young golfers of all abilities can slot into their relevant categories and compete against like-minded players of similar abilities.
The 18-hole and 9 hole competitions for boys and girls of all standards and ages take place in the English counties of Leicestershire & Rutland, Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire on Sundays throughout the spring, summer and early autumn.
Remaining 2018 Shires Junior Golf Tour dates:
- Sunday 22nd July – Kettering GC Northants
- Sunday 5th August – Pavenham GC Bedfordshire
- Friday 10th August – Kingsthorpe GC Northants (Co Shires and Junior Open )
- Sunday 26th August – Northampton GC Northants ( Team Event )
- Sunday 9th September – Kirby Muxloe GC Leics ( Co Shires and Junior Open )
- Sunday 16th September – Elton Furze GC Cambridgeshire ( Co Shires and Junior Open)
- Grand Final – The Bedford GC (October)
Each Shires Tour event regularly attracts over 100 junior golfers taking part.
It does not matter if the youngster is a boy or a girl, plays off scratch or is new to the game, there are prizes and trophies for the different age/ability groups at the individual events.
Further awards can also be won through the Order of Merit, which runs throughout the season and includes the Order of Merit grand final.
Burton on Trent Golf club comes to the rescue.
With just a few weeks’ notice Burton on Trent GC stepped up to the plate and hosted our 5th event of the season. What a warm welcome we received. From the Professional Gary Stafford to the club Captain Neil Tilley plus the junior organisers and club members, they could not help out enough. Volunteers handed out bottles of water and fruit to keep the players hydrated and energised.
A very warm day saw our 18-hole divisions set off in temperatures suited to the Mediterranean. Scoring was very good on this beautifully laid out golf course which was relayed back to tour organisers by parents as well as the players.
Gold Division best gross went to Matthew Goode of Peterborough Milton Golf Club with a fine 75.
| 1st nett | Jake Sheridan – Wellingborough G.c | 38 points |
| 2nd nett | Ed Keech- Kettering G.c | 36 points |
| 3rd nett | Cameron Reeves- Overstone G.c | 36 points |
Silver division best gross went to the ever-consistent Rutland Waters Junior Oscar Bell with a fine 87.
| 1st nett | Connor Tallentire – The Bedford G.c | 36 points |
| 2nd nett | Elise Warden- Northampton G.c | 35 points |
| 3rd nett | Elliot Strickland- Northampton G.c | 31 points |
Bronze division best gross went to home member Ernie Watson who plays of 21 , Ernie came in with a very commendable 93.
| 1st nett | James Attwood- Kettering G.c | 37 points |
| 2nd nett | Samuel Thomas- Beedles Lake G.c | 33 points |
| 3rd nett | Jack Meaking- Market Harborough G.c | 33 points |
Diamond 9-hole reduced yardage division, Burton on Trent’s Olivia Dixon shone on her home course and came in with a brilliant 47 gross.
| 1st nett | Owen Smith- Rushden G.c | 36 points |
| 2nd nett | Eleanor Hamilton- Northampton G.c | 32 points |
| 3rd nett | Ethan Reece- Market Harborough G.c | 31 points |
Copper Division 9-hole red tees division, newcomer Joseph Watts of Staverton Park scored an excellent 47 gross over the 9 holes from the red ladies tee. Owen has moved up from the Diamond division after three events and has now been awarded his first 18- hole official handicap. Not bad for someone who has only recently taken up the game.
| 1st nett | Ollie Walden- Overstone G.c | 22 points |
| 2nd nett | Krishan Panesar- Kingsthorpe G.c | 22 points |
| 3rd nett | Jack Stockton- The Three Hammers G.c | 21 points |
Beds and County golf club who have hosted Shires Junior Golf Tour events since 2014 never fail to lay on an exceptional day. The course was in top notch condition following the captain’s day at the club the day previous. With Temperatures in the 30’s players stopped of to take on water and ice cream at the superbly run half way house.
Gold Division best gross went to Leighton Buzzards Charlie Coleman with a 76 (40 Points) an outstanding score Charlie in very hot conditions.
| 1st nett | Tyler Crosta- Woburn G.c | 37 points |
| 2nd nett | Izy Edwards- Kirtlington G.c | 36 points |
| 3rd nett | Matthew Goode-Peterborough Milton | 36 points |
Silver Division best gross, Market Harborough’s Alex Rowlatt once again put in a very solid performance and a very good 82 helped Alex climb into 7th place in the Shires Junior Golf Tour Order of Merit with a round in hand.
| 1st nett | Austin Cooney- Kettering G.c | 42 points |
| 2nd nett | Dillon Basi- The Bedford G.c | 40 points |
| 3rd Nett | Gracie Murray- Kettering G.c | 38 points |
Bronze Division best gross, 10-year-old Jadon Pham from Overstone G.c shot a 93 to move up to 5th place in the Shires Order of Merit with one round in hand. An excellent score for the youngster who just keeps getting better as the season progresses. Elizabeth Ball of Drayton Park G.c was making her debut on the tour and lost out on the count back for the best gross but took 1st place in the nett.
| 1st nett | Elizabeth Ball- Drayton Park G.c | 40 points |
| 2nd nett | James Attwood- Kettering G.c | 39 points |
| 3rd nett | Kai Williams- Beds & County G.c | 37 Points |
Diamond Division best gross went to Rushden’s Owen Smith a tremendous 40 left him way ahead of the field and Owen has now been promoted to the Copper division. Well done Owen a great achievement in such a short space of time.
| 1st nett | Ethan Reece- Market Harborough G.c | 28 points |
| 2nd nett | Eleanor Hamilton- Northampton G.c | 28 points |
| 3rd nett | Olivia Dixon- Burton on Trent G.c | 27 points |
Copper Division best gross went to Jack Stockton of Three Hammers with an excellent 56, 7 year old Bobby Moore who has held his own this season after making the huge leap to the Copper division came a close 2nd with a 57 very commendable at such a young age.
| 1st nett | Bobby Moore- Thorpewood G.c | 17 points |
| 2nd nett | Martha Pieterse- Northampton G.c | 15 points |
| 3rd nett | Krishan Panesar- Kingsthorpe G.c | 15 points |
Shires Junior Golf tour would like to thank Burton On Trent G.c and Beds & County G.c for the warm welcome, hospitality and the use of your fine golf courses, We would recommend anyone wishing to test your game to go and visit both of these as you would not be disappointed.
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Hole in 1 for 4yr old Prodigy
Golfing prodigy Abhay Kapoor stunned onlookers by recording a hole in one during a golf lesson at 3 Hammers Golf Complex in Wolverhampton this weekend.
Abhay, who attends Mayfield prep school in Walsall recorded the feat on the 14th with a 7 iron, emulating his golfing hero and fellow 3 Hammers alumni Aaron Rai who had holed out for an Ace only the day before at the European Tour’s BMW International.
Abhay’s dad Shiv couldn’t quite believe what he was seeing, especially after seeing Aaron hole out the day before, “Me and Abhay’s coach at 3 Hammers, Kyle Cooper, were speaking about Aaron Rai’s Hole in One at the BMW just before Abhay’s lesson. For him to then go and emulate his hero and do the same in that very lesson is incredible. I’m so proud of him.”
Abhay Kapoor Hole in One 3Hammers
Abhay took up golf a year ago aged 3 and has proven to be a natural. He’s received coaching at 3 Hammers Golf Academy from Kyle but has also been greatly inspired by Aaron Rai, as Shiv continues, “Abhay’s met Aaron Rai a few times and was recently at a Q&A with him at 3 Hammers. Aaron spoke about focus and discipline and Abhay’s worked even harder on his game ever since. Straight after he got his hole in one he turned to me and said ‘Daddy, see! I work hard for you!’ I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry!”
Abhay’s Hole in One comes straight off the back of his first ever tournament win the week before. He secured top spot in the regional qualifier for the ‘Wee Wonders’ Golf Tour the previous week playing against 5 and 6 year olds, and while a tournament victory at the age of 4 might seem unlikely Kyle thinks that it will be the first of many for Abhay, “Seeing Abhay follow in his hero’s footsteps comes as no great surprise. Winning his regional at the Wee Wonders and getting a Hole in One in the same week are fantastic achievements, but Abhay’s love of being on the golf course shines through as much as his ability. It’s exciting to see him achieving great things so early, but even more exciting to see the enjoyment and confidence he’s getting from the game.”
Next on Abhay’s radar is the Regional Final of the Wee Wonders on 25th July where he will take on the best 5 and 6 year olds in the area. With his first Hole in One in the bag and brimming with confidence, the last word goes to Abhay on his achievements, “I’m really happy I got a hole in one like Aaron and I’m going to work hard to get better at golf!”
Juniors enter 5th year with Ping
The American Golf Junior Championship in association with PING has announced its rosta of Championship qualifying events for 2018, and with PING once again on board as tournament sponsor, the event is set to be one of the highlights of the year’s junior calendar.
Sam McIntyre
John Clark, Managing Director of PING Europe, said, “Over the years we’ve been involved with the American Golf Junior Championship, we’ve seen some fantastic golf played by hugely talented golfers but, more importantly, we’ve seen sportsmanship and camaraderie from some inspiring young people. We’re delighted to be continuing our partnership with American Golf and being part of this fantastic event yet again, and we’re looking forward to welcoming all the qualifiers to Gainsborough Golf Club for the finals.”
Ollie McEvoy
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Madeleine-Smith
2017 saw impressive golf played in the Scratch, Boys and Girls Handicap and Future Stars (under and over 8) categories with Aaron Mohun (featured image) from Chester coming out on top in the overall Championship. With the 2018 qualifying competitions set to begin at Roganstown G.C. near Dublin on 11th of July, players from all over the U.K. & Ireland will be lining up to qualify for the opportunity to take on Aaron when he returns to PING’s H.Q. at Gainsborough Golf Club to try and retain his title.
Matt Bacon, Head of Events at American Golf concluded, “Some of the best junior golfers in the U.K. & Ireland have played in the Championship over the past few years so I’m excited to see how the event develops for 2018. PING have been fantastic supporters of our drive to get more Juniors of all abilities out hitting balls so I’m delighted to have them on board again for our celebration of the best of junior golf.”
Nathan Newton
The American Golf Junior Championship will be shown on Sky Sports in October. The event is free to enter and players with and without handicaps can take part in different categories. For more information on entries please visit:
www.americangolf.co.uk/free-tournaments/free-tournaments.html
Quailfying Events
Ireland – Roganstown G&CC – Wednesday 11th July
South England – The Shire London – Monday 30th July
Midlands – Gaudet Luce GC – Tuesday 31st July
North England – High Legh Park GC – Wednesday 1st August
Wales – Glamorganshire GC – Thursday 2nd August
Scotland – Leven Links – Wednesday 8th August
Par+Golf – Junior apparel
Par + golf are a Staffordshire based kids golf company, affiliated to the Shires Junior Golf Tour, and joint sponsors of the Midlands Golfer junior section, online and in the magazine.
Shires Tour information here: https://midlandsgolfer.co.uk/shires-junior-tour-2018/
About Par +
Par+ was born in 2012 after the frustrations of not being able to find quality, fashionable and colourful junior golf apparel for our own children.
The number one goal was to have quality junior golf apparel at affordable pricing.
The Moisture Wicking and Spandex mix fabrics from Par+ are some of the most comfortable apparel on the market today.
The Par+ line is designed for ages 6-16 years of age.
Par+ collection changes yearly with focus on design for both young girls and boys.
We currently offer Boys & Girls Shirts,Shorts. Skorts, Trousers, Caps, Ball Markers and Belts.
Par+ will be adding new and interesting accessories throughout the year to keep you up to date on the ever changing fashion world.
Our brand is global with bases in New Zealand, Australia, China the UK and USA making us the largest junior apparel brand in the world.
James Dixon | Director | Status Property Management Limited | Telephone 01283 244871 | Mobile 07825542643 www.midlandspropertymanagement.co.uk
Archie’s coast to coast challenge
Derbyshire based junior golfer Archie Qualtrough is preparing for a daunting fundraising challenge to become the first person to hit a golf ball from coast to coast.
The 11-year-old, who plays off a 16 handicap, is aiming to raise much-needed cash and awareness for four charities in memory of two High Peak sporting youngsters.
Archie, who last year raised over £2,500 for the same causes by playing 100 holes during one soaking High Peak day (below), has planned a five-day, 83-mile route using 15 golf courses from Maryport GC on the west coast of England to Tynemouth GC on the east coast.
The cross-country challenge is to start on Monday, May 28, and primary school pupil Archie expects it will take five days to complete.
Archie, who is a member of the Derbyshire Under 14 squad and plays his golf at Woodhall Spa, came up with the idea at the end of last year and worked out the path along the approximate route of Hadrian’s Wall.
He told Midlands Golfer magazine: “It’s going to be very tough but I’m confident I can complete the challenge – I’ve been busy building my fitness level and I’m in the gym or out on the course every day.
“I was amazed by the support I received last year and knew I had to do something similar again to raise money and awareness for the four charities that mean a lot to me and the people around me.”
Archive is hoping to raise £6,000 in memory of Ben Strollery and Charlie Craig that is donated through his JustGiving page to YoungMinds, Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), Finlay Cooper Foundation and The Golf Foundation.
Mum Anna says Archie is looking for the support of golf companies to help him achieve his aim.
“Each of the first four days will be dedicated to each of the charities and Archie is hoping to use social media to highlight their work and how they benefit and support young people,” she added.
“Any help in spreading the messages to a wider audience would help enormously.”
Archie will be sending a daily diary of his challenge to Midlands Golfer for readers to follow his route across the country.
Main image – Archie with his Woodhall Spa coach Neil Harvey
2018 – On the Shires Tour
Shires Junior Golf Tour offers a structured programme where young golfers of all abilities can slot into their relevant categories and compete against like-minded players of similar abilities.
The 18-hole and 9 hole competitions for boys and girls of all standards and ages take place in the English counties of Leicestershire & Rutland, Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire on Sundays throughout the spring, summer and early autumn.
Schedule for 2018 Shires Junior Golf Tour:
- Friday 13th April 2018 – Pro am – Kingsthorpe Golf Club Northants
- Sunday 22nd April – Melton Mowbray GC Leics (Co Shires and Junior Open)
- Sunday 6th May – Brampton Heath Golf Centre Northants
- Sunday 20th May – Abbey Hill Golf Centre Buckinghamshire
- Sunday 3rd June – Market Harborough GC Leics ( Co Shires and Junior Open )
- Sunday 10th June – Glen Gorse GC Leics ( Co Shires and Junior Open )
- Sunday 1st July – Beds & County GC Bedfordshire
- Sunday 22nd July – Kettering GC Northants
- Sunday 5th August – Pavenham GC Bedfordshire
- Friday 10th August – Kingsthorpe GC Northants (Co Shires and Junior Open )
- Sunday 26th August – Northampton GC Northants ( Team Event )
- Sunday 9th September – Kirby Muxloe GC Leics ( Co Shires and Junior Open )
- Sunday 16th September – Elton Furze GC Cambridgeshire ( Co Shires and Junior Open)
- Grand Final – Bedford GC Date TBC
Each Shires Tour event regularly attracts over 100 junior golfers taking part.
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It does not matter if the youngster is a boy or a girl, plays off scratch or is new to the game, there are prizes and trophies for the different age/ability groups at the individual events.
Further awards can also be won through the Order of Merit, which runs throughout the season and includes the Order of Merit grand final.
To join the tour visit www.shiresjuniorgolftour.co.uk and fill in the form, a year’s membership costs £20 and entitles you to enter all events. 18 hole individual events cost £15 for a member and £20 for a non-member, 9 hole events cost £10.00 for a member and £15 for non members. – both include food and prizes, if received.
Phoenix record for young ace Mark
YOUNG gun Mark Hewlett had the top brass at Gaudet Luce Golf Club thumbing the record books after landing his first hole-in-one.
The 11-year-old is thought to be the youngest to achieve the feat at the Hadzor venue’s Phoenix course and it follows a highly successful year for the emerging talent.
He landed the shot on the sixth hole, adding to the home trophy he collected earlier in the campaign and an unbroken record of appearances in team matches which have resulted in two finals.
Before turning 11, Hewlett turned out for Worcestershire under 14s team and captained the under 12s which father Mark senior said had been his “proudest moment” prior to the hole-in-one.
Those exploits and assistance from coach Russell Adams have helped his son to cut his handicap from 21 to 16.
“Seeing the pure emotion he showed when holing out, it surely had to be a moment he will never forget,” said Mark senior.