Cornwall Golf Union
Juniors Past News
Tamar Cup Winners Carlyon Bay
Tamar Cup Final Sunday 3rd October 2021
Well they just keep on winning! Carlyon Bay Juniors claimed yet another title yesterday in the final of the David Agnew Tamar Cup as they beat Devon qualifiers Exminster 2- 1 in an exciting final held at Elfordleigh, Plymouth yesterday. Adding the Tamar Trophy to their wins last weekend in the George Bolitho and Kernow Cups demonstrates their dominance this year. And they may not be finished yet as they target the Junior Maxam Cup later this moth at Perranporth. The Carlyon Bay team are pictured above (L to R: Harry Richards, Liz Line, Maddie Watson, Ken Kingwell, Sam Baker and Hugo Watson)
Yesterday though the weather was a major concern as they travelled to Plymouth but the rain stopped literally minutes before the final was due to start and the sun made a welcome bit part appearance!
Exceptional golf was to follow. First of all Harry Richards beat Ollie Carnell 4&3, holing a 10 footer to close things out. When Maddie Watson won her single beating Reggie Reed 5&4 the Tamar Trophy was crossing the river into the Duchy. In the final (foursomes) match Exminster took the honours as Susie Carr and Ben posted an excellent 6&5 win over Hugo Watson and Sam Baker.
Carlyon Bay would like to thank Ken Kingwell and Liz Line - organisers of the Tamar Cup, and also Elfordleigh, for hosting.
Carlyon Bay Dominate as Porthpean Excels
George Bolitho Shield & Kernow Cup Finals Sunday 26th September 2021 Porthpean GC
Host venue Porthpean GC was a winner yesterday as the club hosted the George Bolitho League and Kernow Cup Finals. It was the Carlyon Bay Juniors though who bagged both titles and retained the George Bolitho Shield they won in 2020. The host club’s course was presented in excellent condition and 31 juniors were treated to first class hospitality both on and off the course.
In the Bolitho competition Carlyon Bay had two teams and the draw had kept them apart as their A Team took on West Cornwall and the B Team faced The Point at Polzeath. The Carlyon Bay A team won their match 2-1 as Sam Ward and Hannah McGrath both won their singles matches. In the other semi final the Carlyon Bay B team also triumphed with a 2-1 win as Lizzie Nile won her single 7&6 and the Watson duo of Hugo and Maddie won their foursome encounter 8&7. So, it was to be an all Carlyon Bay Final.
And it was to be the B team who came out on top as Alec Nile halved with Ward, Lizzie Nile won her single 4&3 and the afore-mentioned Watsons completed a second win against Raymond and Quentin Tse by 3&2. Both Geoge Bolitho teams from Carlyon Bay are pictured below with the Shield and CGU Juniors President Matt Tucknott.
The Kernow Cup Finals Day qualifiers were a total of 5 clubs with 3 juniors from each. To reach the actual afternoon final those teams first played a morning stableford qualifier to form team aggregate totals. When these were complete the totals were Carlyon Bay A (104), Carlyon Bay B (90), The Point at Polzeath (79), Tehidy Park (75) and St Enodoc B (72). And so another all-Carlyon Bay final, this time though in a matchplay format.
This too was to prove a tight affair. With the overall match all square at 1-1 and owing to player sickness and in order to achieve a result an 18th hole 4 ball better ball shoot out was approved, and Ella-Grace Crocker slotted in a 5 on the 18th to assure the Kernow Cup win for her club’s A team.
(Above) The Kernow Cup Teams from Carlyon Bay GC pose with Matt Tucknott .
CGU Juniors President Matt Tucknott officiated across the day as his predecessor Alan Lund and he acted as starters. He congratulated all those who had taken part in the respective leagues across the season and particularly those who had reached the finals day. He expressed huge thanks to Porthpean GC and paid tribute to the efforts of owners Gary and Kathryn Tucker, the caterer for the excellent food offerings made available and Course Manager Sven Todd for his part in making the day so successful.
Falmouth Bag Gripe for First Time
Falmouth Juniors won the Brian Gripe Junior Summer Knockout trophy for the first time in the club's history after beating West Cornwall at Tehidy Park in the 36 hole final. The team are pictured above (L to R: Archie Fox (did not play), Harry Drewett, Will Sercombe, Maisie Drewett and Mick Fox, Jnr Organiser)
The Falmouth team of Maisie Drewett, her brother Harry and Junior Captain Will Sercombe put in a great shift of scratch golf in the matchplay final against a plucky and strong West Cornwall team.
Going out in handicap order Harry Drewett was up against and although he led for periods in the match, he eventually went down 2&1. Over to Maisie!
Maisie played against Ethan Tempest and played very well in being 2 under gross over the 33 holes it took to win her match 4&3. In total Maisie managed 9 birdies. With honours even it was now down to the third match to determine the overall result.
Sercombe duly did the Captain's role delivered the goods for his team with a 4&3 win over James Tucknott.
CGU Juniors President Matt Tucknott presented the trophy to Falmouth along with prize vouchers for both teams who enjoyed a meal together post-match.
Thanks must go to Tehidy Park for their hospitality , the condition of the course and their customary excellent catering.
Both teams are pictured below ahead of the start of play and in company with the CGU Juniors President Matt Tucknott. (L to R: James Tucknott, Ethan Tempest, Jack Kevern, Matt Tucknott, Maisie Drewett, Harry Drewett, Will Sercombe)
U14s Recent Matches - Report
[Report by Mark Wallwork]
The Cornwall U14 team have had a busy couple of weeks in the Jack Roberts Trophy travelling over the South West Counties.
From left Joab Atkins (Trethorne), Archie Carnegie (The Point), Jay Dingle (The Point), Quinn Bateman (St Enodoc), Jack Welch (Whitsand Bay), Heath Coombes (Newquay), Tiernan Wallwork (Tehidy Park) and Kian Williams (Carlyon Bay)
The Cornwall boys faced Devon at Thurlestone Golf Club on 6th August 2021. The weather was not what we would expect from an August day, with high winds making difficult course conditions. The boys all looked really smart on the day and Heath Coombes was team captain. Jack Welch played an outstanding game winning his match and Heath Coombes took his match all the way for a half. A special mention has to be given to Joab Atkins who came from four down on the front nine to winning his match with a great little chip in on the 18th hole. The result ended 2.5 – 5.5 in Devon’s favour, but the Cornwall boy’s attitude and politeness was commented upon by Devon spectators and the boys very much did Cornwall proud.
The next match took place at Trethorne Golf Club where the boys competed with Somerset on 13th August. Sunny weather made for favourable playing conditions and the course was very well presented.
Quinn Bateman (St Enodoc), Jay Dingle (The Point), Joab Atkins (Trethorne), Jack Welch (Whitsand Bay), Archie Carnegie (The Point), Tiernan Wallwork (Tehidy Park), Fred Kirkland (Tehidy Park) and missing from photo, Kian Williams (Carlyon Bay).
Fred Kirkland made his debut appearance and created a fantastic impression by winning his match on the 11th hole. Jack Welch halved his match and Archie Carnegie (Team Captain) lost his fight on 18th hole. The first nine holes looked promising for Cornwall but on the day Somerset took the overall win despite some close matches. Jay Dingle, Quinn Bateman and Kian Williams were all close contenders up to the 16th and 17th holes. The team managers Mark Wallwork and Lee Bateman were both very proud of the Cornwall team’s attitude and vigour, despite a losing result of 1 ½ - 6 ½ on the day.
The final match took place at Lyme Regis Golf Club on 17th August. The boys travelled to Dorset the day before to have a practice round and familiarise themselves with the course, which was immaculately presented. After play we headed to our accommodation which was only a few miles away, but we travelled across three counties, much to the amusement of some of the junior team.
Left to right - Finley Hendra (West Cornwall), Jack Welch (Whitsand Bay), Heath Coombes (Newquay), Fred Kirkland (Tehidy Park), Tiernan Wallwork (Tehidy Park), Jay Dingle (The Point), Quinn Bateman (St Enodoc) and Joab Atkins (Trethorne).
On the morning of the match Lyme Regis Golf Club, who were superb hosts, supplied breakfast to set the boys up for their game. Finley Hendra made his debut appearance for the county. Heath Coombes was the only Cornwall winner on the day but Cornwall put up a great contest with Jack Welch and Joab Atkins both only losing out on the 18th. The boys looked smart as always and continued with their great attitude making a pleasurable away trip despite the 7-1 loss.
U14s Lose to Wiltshire
The Cornwall U14s team had their first fixture of the year against Wiltshire at Trethorne GC and it was the visitors who completed a comprehensive 8- 0 win.
The Cornwall team are pictured below and a full report is to follow.
(Standing L to R: Joab Atkins, Jay Dingle, Archie Carnegie, Heath Coombes, Kian Williams, Bradley Butler. (Kneeling Tiernan Wallwork and Quinn Bateman)
Team Manager Mark Wallwork said "Our team had an outstanding attitude and perfomance against Wiltshire who fielded a very strong team. We can certainly hold our heads up high considering the handicap difference between them and us. We are conscious a few of our team were representing the county for the first time and all looked very smart wearing the county colours, and they conducted themselves impeccably.
Mark thought it a good idea to get some of the team to record their post-match thoughts so here goes;
Starting the game, I felt positive despite realising my partner had a much lower handicap. We halved the first hole but after this my partner was able to birdie holes that I was getting pars on. He was the better player and won on the 11th hole. I really enjoyed the day and was pleased with my performance despite losing. I have come away with renewed enthusiasm to train harder and get my own handicap down further. (Tiernan)
I had a tough opponent today and I knew it was going to be a tricky game. Despite a pleasing first drive, I lost the first two holes, but then came back on the third with a great approach shot and one putt. I felt I played some consistent golf and halved the next 2 holes, then my opponent stepped up his game and won the next 6 holes consecutively. I played a good game but he played even better, winning the game on the 12th hole. (Quinn)
It was a good round, there was a big handicap difference between us, which made it tough. I felt I had to put the pressure on with a good first drive and hit one down the middle. I held my own all the way to the 16th, where he won the game. I played well, but he played better on the day. (Archie)
As this was my first match representing my county I was a bit nervous. My first tee shot was amazing, cutting the corner on the first, which was obviously a big confidence booster; sadly though the first hole was a win for Wiltshire. The first nine holes, after the first, were a bit tough for me because my opponent was playing very well, although I was pleased with my putting. The back nine on the other hand, was a good part of the round for me because I pulled it back, but he was too strong in the end winning 4&3 on the 15th hole. In conclusion, although I lost I still had a superb day meeting lots of amazing people and it was a great experience. (Joab)
I played well for my first match for the county and at one point was 2up but some tiny mistakes cost me and he pulled it back. He could hit it much further than me and was of a much lower handicap and after he got an Ace his confidence shot up and eventually beat me on the 15th. The experience has made me want to get my handicap lower and can be more prepared for next time. (Kian)
SWCGA U14 & U16 Team Disappointment
SWCGA U14/U16 Championship Report (Andrew Kevern)
Arriving at Mendip Spring GC early Thursday afternoon for a practice round under the guidance of Whitsand Bay Professional Andy Welch, the nine selected boys showed positive signs of what might come the following day. However, despite some good early signs with Jack Kevern (West Cornwall) +1 through his opening 9 holes and Newquay’s Thomas Miller (U14) and Jack Welch (Whitsand Bay) playing to their handicaps, Mendip Spring’s tricky back nine proved the downfall for many of the team. Too many missed fairways which found Mendip’s thick punishing rough and many water hazards, resulted in too many bogeys or worse.
On a positive note, Newquay’s rising star, Thomas Miller, finished in 2nd place in the U16 Nett element. While another young talent, Jack Welch from Whitsand Bay, finished 3rd in the U14 Nett element.
Overall, a disappointing team result. However, on the bright side, we did beat local rivals Devon! Looking ahead, five of the team are still eligible for next year’s championship at Cumberwell Park (Wilts), and with another year of development under their belts, hopefully they will perform to their potential.
Team Scores:
Archie Fox (Falmouth) +10
Harry Drewett (Falmouth) +14
Harry Richards (Carlyon Bay) +27
Heath Coombes (Newquay) +24
Isaac D’Bue (Falmouth) +16
Jack Kevern (West Cornwall) +10
Jack Welch (Whitsand Bay) +14 - 2nd place in U14 Nett element
Matthew Hooper (Truro) + 25
Thomas Miller (Newquay) +11 - 3rd place in U16 Nett element.
Captain Stephens Leads Way at the Bay
It was great to be back on the course in junior competition yesterday. Whilst we have been having wall to wall sunshine of late, the price we have had to pay has been some very strong and cool winds. This was the case as the CGU Juniors Order of Merit got underway at a splendid Whitsand Bay in a new event, the Junior Spring Meeting. With views to die for and a course in first class condition, the wind ensured 40 juniors were tested to the limit. Some survived in the in the fast-running firm conditions, which increased the degree of difficulty – others did not.
After the results were finalised the Playing Conditions Calculation for the day came out at 3 and this was in no way a surprise.
Under the guidance of Juniors President Matt Tucknott, acting as official starter, the field all made their way uphill on the first before being exposed to some severe gusting 40mph easterly winds. Those knowing the layout of the course will realize help on one hole means a slog on the next. And the help in terms of distance did not mean it was easy bringing the ball to a stop on the firm ground.
Perhaps unexpectedly, the older and more experienced of the juniors came to the fore and it was three members of the County Mens Team Squad who took the lowest gross prizes. Junior County Captain Thomas Stephens (Trevose) scored an impressive 77 in the wind to claim first place, on countback, from clubmate Liam Wilson with Josh Chapman (Tehidy Park) third on 78.
Ethan Tempest (West Cornwall) also returned a gross 78 which was good enough to see him claim first place in the handicap prizes with a nett 73. Carlyon Bay’s Sam Ward returned a nett 74 and James Tucknott (Radnor) a nett 75 to pip Harry Drewett (Falmouth) on countback.
For the girls it was a tough day too but Maisie Drewett (Falmouth) returned a gross 88 to claim victory in her category, just pipping Lizzy Nile (Carlyon Bay) on 89. Third place went to Sophia Hallett (Mullion, 101).
The girls handicap prizes went first of all to Genevieve Facey (St Austell) with a nett 81 followed by Ella-Grace Crocker (Carlyon Bay) nett 86 and Frankie Smith (St Austell) nett 88.
We would like to express our thanks to Whitsand Bay Golf Club for their hospitality in staging the competition. Specific thanks to PGA Profession and ‘Mr Whitsand Bay’ Andy Welch, the greenkeeping top dogs Kristian Summerfield and Neil Robinson and Justine and Hugo who dealt so well with all the catering needs. It was also very good to see Cornwall County Ladies Association President Jill Simmons present, as she made the long trip from Mullion to support the 10 girls taking part. And completing the full house, we were also joined by CGU President Andrew Clotworthy who has regularly voiced his support for all matters junior. Thanks must also go to the members of the CGU Junior Committee who were present en masse to assist out on the course.
The 2021 U18 and U16 Junior Order of Merit consists of 7 events. Whitsand Bay was the first for 2021. Round 2 is the Falmouth Junior Open on Sunday 9th May 2021 and you should contact the club in order to make entries.
The other events are:
Round 3 Sunday 13th June CGU Junior County Championship - Carlyon Bay - enter online
Round 4 Sunday 4th July Junior Open - St Austell - entries via club
Round 5 Monday 26th July Junior Open - West Cornwall - entries via club
Round 6 Thursday 12th August Junior Open - Perranporth - entries via club
Round 7 Monday 25th October Junior Autumn Meeting - Mullion - entries online later
A player’s best 5 scores from the 7 available events will determine his position in the respective Orders of Merit.
Academy Applications 2021 Open!
Follow in the steps of some great Cornish Junior Golfers …….. Harry Hall, Emily Toy and George Leigh for example. Will you be next?
The 2021 Cornwall County Junior Golf Development Academy is open to all talented juniors (Girls & Boys) in Cornwall who are under the age of 18 (1st Jan 2021) and who show determination, ambition and a commitment to succeed. We have a proven structured academy system with new age and ability selection process in position to facilitate the best learning/development environment possible whilst maintaining a fun, supportive academy.
Monthly development sessions (5) will be held across Cornwall starting as early as possible in 2021 once current lockdown restrictions have been lifted and it is safe to do so. The academy is open to Boys & Girls and represents a fantastic opportunity to improve Mind, Body and Golf Skills whilst preparing for the golfing fixtures ahead and possible selection for the various County Junior Teams we have representing us including the U18’s, U16’s, U14’s and U12’s.
For more information and an application form see below. Applications close on 12th February 2021.
Falmouth Heading to Re-Arranged Final
Falmouth Juniors will head to Romanby GC, Yorkshire this coming weekend (24th/25th October) for the re-arranged final of the Junior Team Golf Home Nations Inter Club competition. Once again we wish them the very best of luck!
Falmouth Trip North Cancelled
Falmouth Juniors trip to Yorkshire for the final of the Junior Team Golf Home Nations Inter Club competition did not take place at the weekend (10th/11th October 2020) due to a waterlogged course. At this time it is not known when the final will be rescheduled.
Falmouth Juniors Ease to National Final
Junior Team Golf Home Nations Inter Club Golf Semi Final 3rd October 2020
Falmouth's Juniors have earned themselves a trip to an English National Finals after coming out top of the pile at a very windy Royal North Devon GC yesterday. Conditions were adverse to say the least - 40mph winds and driving rain - and the organisers were forced to reduce the scheduled 18 holes to 9 after two hours of play in order to achieve a result.
Pitted against 5 other South West based clubs Falmouth's team of 6 (with the best 5 scores to count) tied with Sherborne (Dorset) on 217 but won out by comparison of the discarded 6th scores. Archie Fox and Isaac D'Bue led the way with nett 41s whilst Will Sercombe and Alex Minter recorded nett 45s. The decisive score for Falmouth came form James Smith with an excellent nett 42. Falmouths discarded score was a nett 50 from James Dempsey which was just the one shot better than his Sherborne counterpart.
Real congratulations are due to the 35 juniors that played in awful conditions and kept their spirits high enough to ask the referee what happens if a ball is embedded in a sheep. Answers on a postcard please!
Falmouth now head in quick succession to Romanby GC, Yorkshire, next weekend. They will play a practice round on Saturday 11th October before a televised final the following day. We wish them the very best of luck.
Falmouth Heading to Junior Team Golf Semi
On Sunday 20th September Falmouth Juniors represented Cornwall in the Atlantic Links - Junior Team Golf - Regional Final, held at Bowood Park Golf Club. It was a hard fought tussle, with Long Ashton Golf Club from Bristol, which eventually ended in a tie. As a result, JTG management have decided that both teams will go forward to the South West Semi-Final which will be played at Royal North Devon Golf Club on Saturday 3rd October.
Mick Fox, Falmouth Junior Organiser, said "The team enjoyed the day and was blessed with wall to wall sunshine and light winds and are over the moon to be going to RND on the 3rd October."
If successful the team will find themselves heading to a National final in Harrogate the following weekend.
You can find more information on the Junior Team Golf website here
Girls Golf Rocks in St Austell Kernow Cup Win
Kernow Cup Tuesday 1st September 2020 Launceston GC
In yet another competition impacted by the pandemic the traditional Kernow Cup league format was abandoned for the year and instead clubs were invited to send teams to a one day event. And what a day it turned out to be for the all girl St Austell junior team.
Teams of three - from 18 handicap upwards - played a stableford competition from yellow and red tees with the team's best two scores to count towards an aggregate total on a Launceston course bathed in warm sunshine
Two exceptional scores from Scarlett Carhart (44 points) and Jessica Prior (43) created a team total of 87 which saw them eclipse West Cornwall. The two are pictured above with the third member of their team. (L to R - Genevieve Facey, Jessica Prior, Scarlet Carhart). The future could be very bright for these Cornish girls and Cornish Ladies golf as all three girls will be juniors for some time yet.
For West Cornwall there were two scores which on another day could have been winners. Tristan Woolcock and Charlie Thornton returned 42 and 41 points respectively for their team's total of 83.
Other level or better scores on the day came from Hannah McGrath (Carlyon Bay, 38 points), Bradley Butler (Carlyon Bay, 37) and those two scores saw Carlyon Bay claim third place on 75. James Tucknott (Radnor) scored 36.
Boys CSS on the day was 69 whilst the girls was 73.
Carlyon Bay Capture Gripe Trophy
Brian Gripe Junior Summer Knockout Final Tuesday 1st September 2020 Launceston GC
Carlyon Bay juniors continued a great vein of form in recent years with another win yesterday. This time it was the Brian Gripe Junior Summer Knockout title as they defeated Tehidy Park in what turned out to be a tense finale.
In a year affected by so many external factors, to be at Launceston in the sunshine was a joy for all concerned. For Tehidy Park this was a match in which they were forced to start from a difficult position with two regulars missing from the team which had got them to the final. With a three man matchplay format they were already underdogs and up against the odds. But they did themselves proud and on another day might even have pulled off what would have been a famous victory. It was though not to be.
Carlyon Bay - with Lewis Gay having to remain on the sidelines - started a point to the good but when Tehidy's Sam Williams provided an excellent win out in the country against Sam Ward the overall match was squared at 1-1.
All eyes rested on the final match between Carlyon Bay's Alec Nile and Tehidy's Matthew Lamb. Nile had got himself into a good position at 3 up with 4 holes to play and seemingly things were heading the way of the Bay. Lamb though had other ideas and clawed back two holes to be stood on the 18th at just one down. And everyone who has ever played Launceston know s anything can happen on the par 5 last hole. The two players both hit long tee shots but both were affected by lies either adjacent to or impacted by trees on the far side of the dogleg. Nile could only punch one down the fairway but Lamb (pictured above) hit an excellent second , the aftermath of which was his 5 iron making loud contact with the timber in front of him. The ball though found its way perfectly into the short fringe on the right hand side of the green. When Nile pulled his third left into the fringe, it looked for all the world like extra holes would be needed.
Yet again golf supplied a surprise though. Lamb chipped to some 3 feet beyond the hole and Nile pitched just inside that. Lamb putted first and agonised as his putt slid by the hole. Nile then holed out to maintain his one hole advantage and close out the match.
The Carlyon Bay team were presented with their trophy by CGU Juniors President Matt Tucknott. A big thank you to Launceston Golf Club for looking after everyone so well - both on and off the course.
Lizzy Leads Carlyon Bay to Bolitho Win
George Bolitho Finals Day Thursday 20th August 2020 Carlyon Bay GC
With the Covid-19 crisis disrupting plans for the 2020 Junior Season, a decision was made earlier this year to abandon the traditional Bolitho League format and instead stage a finals day with all junior sections invited to play in a four man team medal competiton off handicap with the best three from four scores to count. A total of ten club teams entered for the Carlyon Bay GC hosted event.
Even the night before there were misgivings about staging the competition due to the strong winds forecast. The decision made was to continue on the basis the day was to be dry at least. On competition day a last minute change saw the competition format altered to stableford - seen as a benefit to all concerned. And yes all day it was very windy - but dry!
That wind though did not prevent some good scores and one exceptional one. Prior to commencement a score of 30 points was considered to be very good. Carlyon Bay's single figure junior Lizzy Nile blitzed her way to a grand 37 points with 11 pars and even allowed herself the luxury of one no score hole - 18 points going out and 19 coming home. This score was the foundation of a good team score for the Carlyon Bay Juniors.
For the Bay other team scores of 30 and 27 from Maddie Watson and Harry Richards respectively saw them finish on a total of 94 points and retain the trophy they won the previous year. Fourth member of their team was the recent in form Hugo Watson. The team are pictured with CGU Secretary Chris Pountney (L to R: Hugo Watson, Harry Richards, Lizzy Nile and Maddie Watson)
Next best individual score on the day came from another junior Lily James (St Mellion) who returned 33 points which in turn was the basis of a team score of 89 which saw her club finish runners up. Other St Mellion scores were a pair of 28s from Ryan Gregory and Hugo King. Their fourth member was Harry Taylor.
A good third spot was claimed by Newquay with consistent scores of 30, 29, 28 & 28 from Heath Coombes, Tommy Miller, Sienna Hickling and Xan Retallack.
Other good performances on a tough day came from Kieran Hughes (St Austell, 32 points), Quinn Bateman (St Enodoc, 31), James Smith (Falmouth, 30) and Harrison Gurd (Perranporth, 30)
George Bolitho Individual Scores
George Bolitho Team Scores
Wilson Wins at Whitsand - Junior County Champion 2020
CGU Junior County Championship (U18/U16) & (U14/U12) Sunday 16th August 2020 Whitsand Bay GC
Trevose junior, and County men’s team member, Liam Wilson (above), had to fight hard to secure his first Junior Championship title, at a wonderfully prepared Whitsand Bay Golf Course. The days drama was increased as Liam posted a 2nd round score of 70 which looked enough to secure the win until playing partner Josh Chapman (Tehidy Park), birdied the 18th, and scored a gross 71 to force a playoff. The challenging first hole surrendered a birdie to Liam, allowing him to claim his first Championship title.
Jack Kevern (West Cornwall) won the U16 Championship after 2 solid rounds of 77 and 75. Hugo Watson (Carlyon Bay) shot an impressive gross 75 to win the U14 Championship by a clear 7 shots, and Jack Welch (Whitsand Bay) retained his U12 title by posting 82 on his home course. Young Fred Kirkland from Tehidy Park Golf Club impressed with his victory in the U14 Stableford competition. Fred is pictured above together with Juniors President Matt Tucknott and CGU President Andrew Clotworthy.
The CGU must express its gratitude to Whitsand Bay Golf Club and its members, who literally gave us their wonderful course for the day, and mobilised an impressive volunteer force to steward the course and keep us all safe. And what a course it is... breathtaking views, challenging holes, and tricky pin positions all made for a great day.
Prizewinners:
U18 Gross
1st Liam Wilson (Trevose) 146
2nd Josh Chapman (Tehidy Park) 146
3rd Jack Kevern (West Cornwall) 152
U18 Nett
1st Lewis Gay (Carlyon Bay) 134
2nd Morgan Bryant (Bude & N Cornwall) 143
3rd Will Hardwick (Perranporth) 145
U16 Gross
1st Jack Kevern (West Cornwall) 152
2nd Morgan Bryant (Bude & N Cornwall) 155
3rd Will Hardwick (Perranporth) 156
U16 Nett
1st Matt Hooper (Truro) 134
2nd Jason Friend (China Fleet) 139
3rd Will Sercombe (Falmouth) 143
U14 Gross
1st Hugo Watson (Carlyon Bay) 75
2nd Harry Richards (Carlyon Bay) 82
3rd Jack Welch (Whitsand Bay) 82
U14 Nett
1st Harry Taylor (St Mellion) 70
2nd Archie Carnegie (The Point at Polzeath) 71
3rd Jay Dingle (The Point at Polzeath) 71
U12 Gross
1st Jack Welch (Whitsand Bay) 82
2nd Tom Miller (Newquay) 84
3rd Tiernan Wallwork (Tehidy Park) 94
U12 Nett
1st Jay Dingle (The Point at Polzeath) 71
2nd Ethan Kinski (St Mellion) 75
3rd Bradley Butler (Carlyon Bay) 88
U14 Stableford (29-54 Handicaps)
1st Fred Kirkland (Tehidy Park) 31
2nd Archie Haynes (St Austell) 29
Whitsand Bay was presented in excellent condition.
U14 and U16 Teams Named for West Cornwall Encounter
The Cornwall Boys U14 and U16 teams will play each other at West Cornwall Golf Club on Monday 6th April 2020 with tee times booked from 12:00 pm. ***** Fixture subsequently cancelled - Covid-19 *****
U14 Team Manager Dave Drewett has announced Harry Richards (Carlyon Bay) will captain the team this year, The full U14 team is: Harry Richards, Hugo Watson (both Carlyon Bay), Archie Carnegie (St. Enodoc), Tommy Miller (Newquay), Jack Welch (Whitsand Bay), Kai Dingle (The Point), Harry Taylor (St. Mellion), Tristan Woolcock (West Cornwall), Tiernan Wallwork (Tehidy Park), James Tucknott (Killiow) and Harry Drewett (Falmouth)
Meanwhile U16 Team Manager Andrew Kevern has also named his team which will this year be captained by Ryan Gregory (St Mellion). The full U16 team is: Ryan Gregory, Charlie Ward (Launceston), Archie Fox, Isaac D'Bue, William Sercombe, James Smith (all Falmouth), Sam Hawkey (Perranporth), Matthew Hooper, Sam Rogers (both Truro), William Hardwick (Perranporth), Ethan Tempest, Jonty Jenkin and Jack Kevern (all West Cornwall).
Devon In One Point Win Over Cornwall U18s
Cornwall Boys U18s v Devon Thursday 20th February 2020 The Point at Polzeath GC
Reigning Boys County Champions Devon secured a one point win over the Cornwall U18s yesterday at The Point at Polzeath. In the annual pre-season encounter, played as a scratch stableford in teams of 12 with the best 10 scores to count, our neighbours finished on 266 to our 265!
This would have been an easy match to call off based on recent and forecast weather conditions and with strong winds and heavy rain prevailing a delayed start ensued. With neither county wishing to call things off things got going. Once underway the conditions were horrid for the early starters but within an hour the rain disappeared and was replaced by sunshine for the duration. The wind remained strong and playing conditions were tough although the course was presented in good condition allowing for what Mother Nature has deposited on us of late.Given the challenging weather some of the scores were impressive the consensus view being that anything of 30 points and above would be good for the conditions.
In the end some very good scores were returned with the Duchy’s Cameron Gurd (Perranporth) the day’s leading light on 36 scratch points. Devon’s Matt Millar and Eliot Baker returned 32 points each to be their counties lead scorers. For Cornwall Josh Chapman (Tehidy Park) and Will Hardwick (Perranporth) also made good scores with 31 and 30 scratch points respectively. Charlie Ward (Launceston) playing off 7 returned 26 scratch points.
With all 12 scores totalled the two Counties were tied on 306 but removal of the two ‘worst’ scores just favoured Devon.This will have left many ruing the putts and other shots they left out on the course; a thought to take forward and learn from! Nevertheless Well Done Devon!
For handicap purposes the event was a Qualifier with the CSS as 74. Qualifying scores can be viewed here .
Scratch Stableford Scores appear below.
Devon Points Cornwall PointsEliot Baker 32 Cameron Gurd 36
Matt Millar 32 Josh Chapman 31
Fred Bishop 29 Will Hardwick 30
Danny Lewis 29 Liam Wilson 27
David Baldwin 27 Thomas Stephens 26
Luke Tooley 27 Charlie Ward 26
Oliie Amos 24 Ewan Warren 24
Ethan Jeffery 22 Jack Kevern 22
James Reed 22 George Law 22
Toby White 22 Archie Fox 21
Louis Hayman 21 Bradley Varcoe 21
Sam Pryce 19 Josh Hodge 20
(All 12 Scores Total) 306 306
Best 10 from 12 Total) 266 265
The two teams dined together after the match and a massive vote of thanks was expressed to the host club for their advance arrangements, the warm welcome extended and their hospitality across the day.
The matches with Devon are always played in good spirit and yesterday was no exception. Under the watchful eye of PGA Professional Gary Milne they will continue to be a strong side and we wish them well for the upcoming season.
Seniors See Off The U18s
Cornwalll Seniors v CGU Boys U18s Monday 17th February 2020 Newquay GC
The CGU Seniors team exerted their experience over their opponents today as they defeated the County U18 Boys team at Newquay by a 4-1 margin.
The annual friendly between the CGU Seniors and the CGU U18 boys was played in challenging high winds and occasional rain on a Newquay course presented in fantastic condition given the weather we have endured recently.
The U18’s got off to a flying start with Junior County Captain George Law and Cameron Gurd (Perranporth) leading the way by example and inflicting a convincing 7 and 6 win over Seniors Captain Andy Rowe (Looe) and Rod Frost (St Enodoc). Finishing nearly 45 minutes before the next match Law and Gurd couldn’t have imagined that there’s was to be the only win for the U18’s. But so it transpired to be.
The junior pairings of Tom Stephens (Trevose) & Will Hardwick (Perranporth) and Liam Wilson (Trevose) & Ewan Warren (St Austell) were both beaten 1 up by Paul Clahane (Trevose) with Richard Bunch (West Cornwall) and Rod Handyside with Warwick Holland (both West Cornwall) respectively.
CGU Mens County Captain Charlie Phillips (Newquay)and Trevor Robinson (St Austell) then saw off U18’s Bradley Varcoe (St Austell)and Josh Hodge (Truro) 5 and 4 as did Seniors Trevor Ashton (Trevose) and Malcom Edmunds (West Cornwall) over Josh Chapman (Tehidy Park) and Jack Kevern (West Cornwall) by the same convincing margin.
The Seniors clearly managed the conditions better than their younger opponents showing that experience can sometimes make a real difference. After the team meal both Rowe and Law thanked the opposition for a sporting day played in a great spirit and thanked Newquay for the course and excellent hospitality.
Junior Section AGM
Tuesday 7th January 2020 saw the Annual General Meeting of the Cornwall Golf Union Junior Section take place at Newquay GC.
The new Juniors President elect is PGA Professional Matt Tucknott who will replace the retiring Alan Lund after his 4 years of selfless support to the Juniors. Tucknott was elected to the role and his Presidency is ratified at the full CGU AGM in March. Nevertheless Tucknott was able to introduce and formally appoint a new Junior County Captain for 2020 in George Law (Perranporth) Law, the 2019 Junior County Championship winner, takes over from clubmate Cameron Gurd.
The meeting heard from Lund who in his final report expressed concern at the dwindling number of juniors participating in events across the county and how the section should seek to support clubs with smaller numbers of boys and girls in membership. Lund cited a number of highlights from his 4 year term of office including the 2018 Boys appearance at the National Finals. He reserved the best highlight as the ongoing success of the Mini Tour in Cornwall, a programme envied by many both in and outside of the county. He thanked all of those who had supported him in many different ways across a total of 14 years oinvolvement in junior golf and concluded by wishing his successor Tucknott every success.
Team Managers Derek Law, Andrew Kevern and Dave Watson presented reports on respective achievements across the preceding 12 months. Law will manage the U18 team in 2020assisted by Mark Stephens, Kevern the U16s assisted by Mick Fox, whilst newcomer Dave Drewett will manage the U14 team. The U12s team will be managed by Mark Wallwork whilst the Mini Tour will be managed by Mark and Linzi Hawkey.
The amended competition formats for 2020 were approved by the meeting. In the main these affect the Bolitho League, Kernow Cup and Summer Knockout competitions with other events retaining current formats
Changes 2020 - click here
Matt Tucknott presented his plans for the 2020 Academy programme - the aim being to make the initiative one of the biggest ever facilitated in terms of participation. There will be an emphasis on united efforts rather than just reliance on a few golf clubs and good people doing the majority of the work. Sharing best practise, encouraging others and supporting every single club in our County should been seen as not only his priority but the priority of every golf club, junior organiser, parent, relative and junior playing golf here in Cornwall.
England Golf Club Support Officer Brad Bodinnar spoke about the upcoming mandatory accreditation requirements for clubs who are expected to be SafeGolf accredited by January 2021. He outlined the help he can provide to clubs in this respect and a number of upcoming courses, Safeguarding & Protecting Children as well as Time to Listen for Club Welfare Officers.
Golf Access is now a preferred partner of England Golf as part of efforts to increase both adult and junior participation in the sport and Simon Wood presented a brief overview of how the Golf Access programme can easily be utilised by clubs to achieve increased participation and in turn membership numbers.
Boys Teams Named for Early 2020 Matches
CGU U18s Team Manager Derek Law has been busy making preparations for a number of matches taking place early in the new year.
First of all on Monday 17th February 2020 the boys will face the Cornwall 2019 winning Seniors Channel League team at Newquay with a 10.30am start. The team is: George Law, Cameron Gurd, Will Price (Perranporth), Thomas Stephens, Liam Wilson (Trevose), Ewan Warren, Bradley Varcoe (St. Austell), Josh Chapman (Tehidy Park), Jack Kevern (West Cornwall) and Josh Hodge (Truro). The named reserve is Archie Fox (Falmouth).
Four days later on Thursday 20th February Cornwall's opponents will be Devon at The Point at Polzeath. In the annual 12 man friendly fixture where the teams play stableford with the best ten scores from each side forming an aggregate total. The match commences at 10.34am and the team to represent Cornwall is: George Law, Cameron Gurd, Will Price (Perranporth), Thomas Stephens, Liam Wilson (Trevose), Ewan Warren, Bradley Varcoe (St. Austell), Josh Chapman (Tehidy Park), Josh Hodge (Truro), Jack Kevern (West Cornwall), Charlie Ward (Launceston) and Archie Fox (Falmouth).
Then on Sunday 22nd March 2020 the opposition will be the Cornwall Ladies County Golf Association team in a 10 a side foursomes matchplay fixture taking place at Tehidy Park with a 10.30am start. The team for this match is: George Law, Cameron Gurd (Perranporth), Thomas Stephens, Liam Wilson (Trevose), Ewan Warren, Bradley Varcoe (St.Austell), Josh Chapman, Matthew Lamb (Tehidy Park), Alec Nile (Carlyon Bay) and Jack Kevern (West Cornwall).
These three early season fixtures take place as the boys team prepares for the annual SW Four Counties Competition which this year takes place at Exeter G&CC in April. Team Manager Law says "I’m giving every squad member a match and a chance over these three games and hopefully we will get a few positive surprises".
Cornish Barbarian Boys Team Match with County Girls
For the first time ever a young Cornwall Boys Barbarian team led by Matthew Hooper Truro) will take on the County Girls in a pairs betterball match play at Carlyon Bay on Sunday 17th November 2019..
The boys team is: Hooper, Jack Kevern (West Cornwall), Ryan Gregory (St. Mellion). Hugo Watson, Harry Richards (Carlyon Bay), Harry Drewett (Falmouth), Jack Welch (Whitsand Bay) andTom Miller (Newquay).
Perranporth Bag Junior Summer Knockout
Brian Gripe Junior Summer Knockout Final Friday 25th October 2019 West Cornwall GC
The Perranporth Junior Team clinched victory today in the final of the Brian Gripe Junior Summer Knockout. Playing at West Cornwall GC the Perranporth team beat Tehidy Park by 3.5 - 1.5 to pick up this year's title. (above Perranporth L to R: George Law, Cameron Gurd, Lewis Woolaway, Rhys Evans, Will Price and CGU Juniors President Alan Lund).
In a match reduced by agreement from the scheduled 36 holes to 18 because of the adverse and very windy weather. By the time Junior County Captain Cameron Gurd,leading the way for Perranporth had won 1 up against Josh Chapman, and George Law and Matthew Lamb had halved the second matchplay single, Tehidy's Lee Chambers had marched to an 8&7 win over Rhys Evans. But further wins for Perran's Lewis Woolaway and Will Price, 3&2 and 2&1 against Declan Allan and Ben Lamb respectively, saw the links based team across the line.
The Tehidy Park Juniors below L to R: Matthew Lamb, Ben Lamb, Declan Allan, Josh Chapman, Lee Chambers and Alan Lund.
Carlyon Bay End Season With Maxam Cup Win
CGU Junior Maxam Cup Thursday 24th October 2019 Carlyon Bay GC
Carlyon Bay Juniors topped a great season with another trophy yesterday as they finished top of the pile in the Junior Maxam Cup competition staged in sunny conditions on their home course. The team (minus the absent Hannah McGrath) are pictured above with CGU Juniors Vice President Simon Ferguson-Smith. (L to R: Hugo Watson, Ella-Grace Crocker, Maddie Watson, Lewis Gay and Ricardo Sanchez).
Gay and Sanchez set the foundations for the win with a gross 77 in the foursomes medal and the team's second counting score came from siblings Maddie and Hugo Watson with an 84 for a team total of 161 which meant a three shot victory over Perranporth on 164.
The Perranporth pair of Junior County Captain Cameron Gurd and George Law (above) claimed the best pair's score of the day also with a 77 which pipped Gay and Sanchez on countback.
Nett team winners were Falmouth - pictured above - on 143 from West Cornwall on 147.5 (L to R: James Dempsey, Archie Fox, Harry Drewett, Maisie Drewett, Isaac D'Bue and Will Sercombe).
The Bude juniors team spirit and endeavour was evident in the ''Little and Large' pairing of 10 year old Oscar Jamieson with Jack Cottle.
Lee Chambers (Tehidy Park) watches his approach to the 9th on a sun kissed autumn day at Carlyon Bay.
Click for Gross Scores - pairs
Click for Gross Scores - teams
CGU Juniors Vice President Simon Ferguson-Smith presented the prizes after expressing the Union's thanks to all those at Carlyon Bay GC who had contributed to ensuring the season ending competition had taken place in such good conditions. He expressed the view of all those present in wishing a speedy recovery to Tiernan Wallwork (Tehidy Park) who had very unfortunately been struck by a ball during play.
Carlyon Bay Take the Tamar Cup
The final of the Tamar Cup 2019 was played at Elfordleigh on Saturday 5th October between 2 Cornish clubs, St Mellion and Carlyon Bay. The Tamar Cup is played by clubs from both Devon and Cornwall in a knockout format.
St Mellion struck first with a fine win in the foursomes featuring brother and sister Jamie and Evie Palmer. Carlyon Bay’s Harry Richards levelled the score by winning 1 up against starlet Lilly James. That led to the last match becoming the decider, and it was a very exciting affair indeed. Alec Nile from Carlyon Bay won the duel with a great birdie on the 19 hole, with St Mellion’s Ryan Gregory poised for the par putt.
All teams enjoyed a traditional meal following the presentation delivered by Ken Kingwell and Mrs Agnew, the widow of David Agnew who started the competition.
In the photo above we have Maddie Watson, Lewis Gay (Capt), Mrs Agnew, Alec Nile and Harry Richards whilst the team photo below shows (L to R): Maddie Watson, Lizzy Nile, Alec Nile, Lewis Gay, Harry Richards and Hugo Watson.
Carlyon Bay Bag Both Bolitho & Kernow
George Bolitho League / Kernow Cup Finals Day Sun 29th September 2019 Merlin GC
Carlyon Bay Juniors scored a double success yesterday as their two Junior teams came away from Merlin GC yesterday as winners of both the George Bolitho League and the Kernow Cup.
Carlyon Bay's Winning Bolitho and Kernow teams together with their Club Captain John Gough
In the morning semi finals played in very windy and often wet conditions the Carlyon Bay Bolitho team beat Bude & N Cornwall 4.25 - 2.5 with Ella-Grace Crocker providing the vital 3/4 point and Hugo Watson sealing the win. There were wins also for Harry Richards and captain Lewis Gay whilst Alec Nile secured a valuable half. For Bude Morgan Bryant and Coonor Vanstone were winners with Harry Macauley halving his match. In semi final two Falmouth beat Truro also by 4.25 - 2.5 with wins for Tom Parry, Archie Fox, James Dempsey and Alex Minter. Will Sercombe halved with Truro's Matthew Hooper. Truro's wins were scored by Josh Hodge and Sam Hawkey.
The beaten Falmouth Bolitho League team with Mick Fox (L to R; Archie Fox, Isaac D'Bue, Tom Parry, Maisie Drewett, James Dempsey, Will Sercombe, Alex Minter)
The afternoon finals saw a respite in the weather and although still windy there was sunshine. And it was the same score (4.25 - 2.5) in the Bolitho final as Carlyon Bay ran out winners with the diminutive Crocker repeating her morning feat as she beat Parry courtesy of chipping in at the last hole. Other Bay wins were achieved by Nile, Richards and Watson with Sam Ward halving his game. For Falmouth Isaac D'Bue and Sercombe won their matches.
Bolitho League Winners Carlyon Bay (L to R: Harry Richards, Sam Ward, Hugo Watson, Alec Nile, Lewis Gay, Ella-Grace Crocker, Ricardo Sanchez)
The Kernow Cup semi finals saw Carlyon Bay A drawn against their clubmates Carlyon Bay B and it was the former who won convincingly 3-0 as Lizzy Nile, Maddie Watson and Hannah McGrath took the honours. In the other semi St Mellion beat Tehidy Park 3-0 with wins achived by Ryan Gregory, Jamie Palmer and younger sister Evie.
St Mellion's losing Kernow Cup team with PGA Professional Jason Avery (L to R: Evie Palmer, Jamie Palmer, Ryan Gregory)
The final scoreline of 2-1 suggested a closer affair and so it was. Maddie Watson won 6&5 against Jamie Palmer but Lizzy Nile who had been 4 up against Gregory was pulled back to 2 up before winning on the 17th and ensuring an overall win for her team. In game 3 McGrath was beaten 4&3 by Evie Palmer.
Carylon Bay's all girl winning Kernow Cup Team (L to R: Hannah McGrath, Maddie Watson, Lizzy Nile)
CGU Juniors President Alan Lund was in charge of proceedings and presented the prizes to the winners and runners up. He thanked Merlin GC for their first class hospitality and complimented the club on the condition of the course highlighting the excellent geens.
There are two Junior events remaining in the season and both will take place in the October half term week. The Junior Maxam Cup competition will be at Carlyon Bay on Thursday 24th October and the following day (Fri 25th) sees the 36 hole Brian Gripe Junior Summer knockout final stgaed between Tehidy Park and Perranporth at West Cornwall GC.
U12s Five Counties Competition in Dorset
U12 5 Counties Championships – Folke Golf Cente - 22nd September 2019
U12s Manager Dave Watson reports ....
This year, it was the turn of Dorset to host the event, and Folke Golf Centre was chosen as the venue. A 9 hole course with alternative tees, small greens and tight lines made for a challenging day for all golfers. Especially for the lower handicappers.
This year the Cornwall team - pictured above - consisted of Hugo Watson (Carlyon Bay – Captain), Jack Welch (Whitsand Bay), Tommy Miller (Newquay), Quinn Bateman (St Enodoc). Tiernan Wallwork (Tehidy) and Archie Carnegie (St Enodoc).
Just like last year, the weather for the practice round on the Saturday was lovely. And also just like last year, the weather for the competition was wet. Very heavy intermittent squalls made play at times very difficult.
And also, just like last year, and after some ups and downs on the course, some luck, both bad and good, the Duchy came in 4th position, just 3 points adrift of the targeted 3rd place and ahead of 5th placed Devon.
Congratulations to Tommy Miller who came 4th overall in the individual with 37 points, and to Archie Carnegie scoring 35 points and coming 7th overall.
However, Cornwall were definitely the best behaved and most polite team there.
Congratulations to Wiltshire on their first win. Somerset finished second and Dorset third.
Wilson and Kevern Claim Wins in OoM
CGU Junior Order of Merit 2019
With the final counting event having taken place at Mullion on Sunday the winners of the respective Junior Orders of Merit have been identified. Liam Wilson (Trevose) claims top honours in both the U18 and U16 Scratch OoMs whilst Jack Kevern (West Cornwall) tops the U16 Handcap OoM.
In the U18 Scratch Wilson finished on 80.00 as comfortable winner from Kevern (67.50), with Thomas Stephens (Trevose) third on 63.00. Carlyon Bay's Alec Nile finished fourth on 58.00.
The U16 scratch saw Wilson top the standings on 84.50 with Kevern compiling 77.00. Nile was third on 70.50 and Stephens fourth with 69.00.
The U16 handicap OoM was the closest affair with Kevern amassing 57.50 just two points ahead of a charging Will Price (Perranporth) on 55.50. Matthew Hooper (Truro) was third on 52.50 with Nile fourth on 51.00.
The 2019 OoM prizes will be awarded at the Junior Maxam Cup competition at Carlyon Bay GC on Thursday 24th October 2019.
Thanks have to go to Peter Hodge who has fastidiously maintained the various OoM events across the season.
Stephens Takes Top Prize in Autumn Meeting
CGU Junior Autumn Meeting Sunday 1st September 2019 Mullion GC
The CGU Juniors returned once again to the hospitable Mullion GC for their annual Autumn Meeting and it was Thomas Stephens (above, Trevose) who claimed the top prize as he returned the best gross score of the day, an excellent 1 under par round of 69, to claim the Penhale Cup. Stephens (16 years) fine form of late has seen him added to the County Mens Team Squad and on this showing it may not be long before he dons the full county colours. Halves of 34 and 35 with a total of 4 birdies and 11 pars saw him over the line and a winning by 5 shots from the next best round of 74 compiled by Will Price (Perranporth).
Price's round too was first class as he performed better than his 7 handicap by 3 shots add ing to his rising pedigree as one to watch in the immediate future. Price's reward was the Jubilee Tankard for the best U16 gross score of the day.
Other cup winners on the day were; Jack Kevern (West Cornwall) with a gross 78 to claim the Chris Brian Trophy for best U14 gross score and Mawgan Thomas (Mullion) with a double as he took the Reg Curtis Salver for best nett score (62) as well as the John Dingle Trophy awarded to the Mullion player with the best gross.
Full list of winners (one prize only):
U14 Nett
3rd: Harry Drewett Falmouth Nett 77
2nd: Archie Fox Falmouth Nett 75
Winner: Isaac D’Bue Falmouth Nett 71
Nett Prizes
(19-28)
1st: Harry Martin Mullion Nett82
(10-18)
2nd: Tom Parry Falmouth Nett 73
1st: Ryan Gregory St Mellion Nett71
(0-9)
2nd: Ricardo Sanchez Carlyon Bay Nett 77
1st: Liam Wilson Trevose Nett 76
Chris Brian Trophy Best U14 Gross
Winner: Jack Kevern West Cornwall Gross 76
John Dingle Trophy Best Mullion Gross
Winner: Mawgan Thomas Mullion Gross 90
Jubilee Tankard Best U16 Gross
Winner: Will Price Perranporth Gross 74
Reg Curtis Salver Best Overall Nett
Winner: Mawgan Thomas Mullion Nett 62
Scratch
3rd Place: Alec Nile Carlyon Bay Gross 78
2nd Place Sam Ward Carlyon Bay Gross 76
Penhale Cup Best Gross of the Day
1st Place Thomas Stephens Trevose Gross 69
A total of 34 juniors took part and this included 6 girls. Girls gross winner on the day was Lizzie Nile (Carlyon Bay) who scored a gross 88 winning on countback from Maisie Drewett (Falmouth). Girls nett winner was Hannah McGrath (Carlyon Bay) with a nett 74 just pipping Sophia Hallett (Mullion) on nett 75. Pictured above are L to R: Maisie Drewett, Sophia Hallett, Hannah McGrath and Lizzie Nile (kneeling)
Mullion Vice Captain Nic Avery welcomed the juniors and parents to the club and he and CGU Junior Section Vice President Simon Ferguson-Smith presented the prizes. Ferguson-Smith thanked Mullion for their hopsitality, for hosting the event and for the excellent condition of the course.
U12s Five Counties Team Named
The Cornwall U12s team to take part in this year's Five Counties Championship competition has been named by U12s Manager Dave Watson.
The team is: Hugo Watson (Capt, Carlyon Bay), Jack Welch (Whitsand Bay), Thomas Miller (Newquay), Quinn Bateman (St Enodoc), Tiernan Wallwork (Tehidy Park) and Archie Carnegie (St Enodoc).
The Championship takes place at Folke GC, nr Sherborne, Dorset on Sunday 22nd September 2019. Folke GC is a 9 hole facility with alternate tees forming an 18 hole, 6000 yard course with water features, trees, doglegs and tricky greens, set in the beautiful Dorset countryside. Cornwall will compete against Devon, host county Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire in this annual event.
U16s and U14s Lose to Dorset
Jack Roberts League Cornwall U14 V Dorset U14
Ben Enoch League Cornwall U16 v Dorset U16 Friday 23rd August 2019, Launceston GC
Cornwall U14s hopes of winning the Jack Roberts League this year were firmly dashed as a strong Dorset team claimed the title beating the Duchy boys 9 -3. In their last match of the season, the U16 Ben Enoch Trophy team went down to a third successive defeat but did put up a fight before losing by just the one point 6.5 - 5.5.
U16 Team Manager Derek Law reports - An impressively presented Launceston golf course was todays venue as Cornwall hosted Dorset in the U16's Ben Enoch Trophy.
Similar to the U18's match earlier this week the morning "foursomes" matches were shared with 2 wins for each team. The first Cornwall pair of Tom Stephens and Liam Wilson overcame Mannie Wellman and Jack Pallister 4 and 3. The third Cornish pair of Matt Lamb and Will Price also recorded a fine 3 and 2 win over Thomas Cartwright-Terry and Ollie Griffiths.
Second pairing Cameron Gurd and Josh Chapman lost 3 and 1 to Jake Moore and 13 year old Ollie Rodgers, who as a late stand in for Dorset played exceptionally well given his age, experience and handicap of 10. Lee Chambers and Charlie Ward lost 2 and 1 to Toby Trott and Tom Bastow.
In the afternoon singles Dorset scored 1 more point than Cornwall to take home the win. Stephens managed a good half against Wellman in the top match but Gurd's recent dip in form continued, and he was never really in the match, as he went down 3 and 2 to Moore. Wilson lost the third match to Bastow 2 and 1 but Cornwall quickly bounced back as Chapman overcame Griffiths by the same score (2 and 1). Lamb completed a great day personally as he won his singles 4 and 2 against Pallister to earn his second point of the day, the only Cornwall player to do so. Price and Chambers lost to Cartwright-Terry and Trott respectively 3 and 1 and 5 and 4. Local Launceston junior Ward finished off proceedings with a 2 and 1 win over Rodgers.
The final score was 6.5 to 5.5 to Dorset. Both teams thanked Launceston golf club for their hospitality and the members for giving up the course which was in superb condition.
The Cornwall U16s at Launceston (L to R): Will Price, Matthew Lamb, Josh Chapman, Cameron Gurd, Thomas Stephens (Capt), Charlie Ward, Lee Chambers and Liam Wilson.
In their final match of the season the Cornwall U14s also played Dorset in glorious sunny conditions with both teams looking for a win to secure the Jack Roberts league title.
Coming into the match, Dorset had won their three previous matches comfortably and the Cornwall team knew they would be up against it. With the Dorset team having a combined handicap total of 72 against Cornwall’s 94, it was always going to be a big ask of the boys to win and so it proved.
In the morning foursomes, the Cornwall pairing of Jack Kevern (West Cornwall) and Archie Fox (Falmouth) once again proved their dominance as a pairing by winning the opening match 3&2. This result took their record to 7 wins and one half from 8 matches played over the past two years. However, this win would prove to be Cornwall’s only victory until the very last singles match of the day with Matthew Hooper (Truro) claiming a good 3&1 victory.
Defeats for the pairings of Isaac D’Bue (Falmouth) & Jack Welch (Whitsand Bay); Hugo Watson (Carlyon Bay) & Matthew Hooper (Truro); and Harry Drewett (Falmouth) & debutant, Thomas Miller (Newquay) gave Cornwall an uphill battle in the afternoon singles.
With Dorset’s juniors having lower handicaps in six out of the eight singles matches, Cornwall’s young-guns knew they had a battle on their hands, and once again so it proved. In the opening match, Jack Kevern was always up but 3-putted the final hole to give his opponent a half. Archie Fox battled back well from 2 down to claim another half point. However, with matches 3 – 7 all going to Dorset, Cornwall eventually succumbed to a 9 – 3 defeat.
Despite this defeat, team manager Andrew Kevern was upbeat saying “Two wins out of four has given this group of boys the confidence to know that they can compete at this level. We have also blooded new players into the team – Jack Welch and Thomas Miller – who, along with Hugo Watson, Harry Richards and Harry Drewett, still have one or two year’s golf left at this age group. With other young talent coming up through the U12s system, the future is looking bright for this age group.”
Devon U18s See Off Cornwall
Roy Greenaway Trophy Devon U18 v Cornwall U18 Wednesday 21st August 2019 Staddon Heights GC
Devon beat Cornwall 8.5 - 6.5 in the battle of the U18s today at a warm and sunny Staddon Heights GC, Plymouth. With the match tied up at 2.5 all at lunch, Devon captured 6 of the 10 points available from the afternoon singles.
Team Manager Derek Law reports - A well presented Staddon Heights golf course welcomed Cornwall U18's in their Greenaway Trophy match against a very strong Devon side.
After the morning "foursomes" it was honours even with Cornwall winning two and Devon likewise. The most impressive win of the day for Cornwall was the foursomes pair of George Law and Lewis Woolaway who overcame the strong Devon pair of James Reed and Scott Acheson 5 and 3. The other foursomes win came from Ricardo Sanchez and Bradley Varcoe who posted a 3 and 2 result over Hayden McCance and Jack Parry. Thomas Stephens and Cameron Gurd managed a half against Craig Passmore and Jack Jeffery and there were losses for the pairings of Ewan Warren/Lewis Bradley and Josh Chapman/Alex Nile to Devon's Baker/Reynolds and Greenberry/Amos respectively.
The afternoon singles showed Devon's strength as Cornwall lost the top 3 matches. Whilst Stephens and Law had close encounters both lost 2 and 1 against Reed and Baker respectively, whilst Passmore inflicted a heavy defeat on Gurd who lost 6 and 5. Warren and Bradley both managed to get a half against Acheson and Parry respectively. Lower down the order there were wins for Cornwall from Nile 3 and 2 against Reynolds, Woolaway 2 and 1 against Jeffery and Varcoe 1 up against Parry. Chapman and Sanchez also lost their matches going down to Greenberry 1 down and Amos 3 and 2.
Overall a great effort with the narrowest of wins for Devon 8.5 to 6.5. After the match both teams thanked and complimented Staddon Heights for giving up their course and the quality of the course/greens. Cornwall also wished Devon the best of luck in their forthcoming National final as a result of winning the 6 Counties this year.
It was a special match for both the Cornish Lewis's - Woolaway and Bradley - who were playing their final junior match before entering the men's ranks. And the same applies to Ricardo Sanchez who has also turned 18 this year. All three have been heavily involved in junior golf over the years and have played many junior representative matches for the county. We wish them all well.
The Cornwall U18s who played Devon (L to R: Lewis Woolaway, Lewis Bradley, George Law, Thomas Stephens, Josh Chapman, Ewan Warren, Cameron Gurd (Capt), Alec Nile, Ricardo Sanchez and Bradley Varcoe.
U14s and U16s Play Dorset
Jack Roberts League Cornwall U14 V Dorset U14
Ben Enoch League Cornwall U16 v Dorset U16 Friday 23rd August 2019, Launceston GC
Both Cornwall's U14 and U16 Boys teams will face Dorset on Friday this week in their final league fixtures of the season. The Duchy teams go into the matches with different opportunities. For the U14s there is the prospect of winning the Jack Roberts League (Dorset have the same chance), whilst the U16s can only restore pride having lost previous matches against both Devon and Somerset.
Team Manager Andrew Kevern retains the same team which beat Somerset last time out and they are: Jack Kevern (Captain, West Cornwall), Isaac D’Bue, Archie Fox, Harry Drewett (Falmouth), Harry Richards, Hugo Watson (Carlyon Bay), Jack Welch (Whitsand Bay) and Matthew Hooper (Truro).
The U16 Team under Manager Derek Law is: Thomas Stephens ( Captain, Trevose), Cameron Gurd, Will Price (Perranporth), Liam Wilson (Trevose), Lee Chambers , Josh Chapman , Matt Lamb (Tehidy Park) and Jonty Jenkin (West Cornwall).
The action gets underway at 9.00am on Friday.
U18 Team to Play Devon
Roy Greenaway Trophy Devon U18 v Cornwall U18 Wednesday 21st August 2019 Staddon Heights GC
U18 Team Manager Derek Law has named the Duchy U18 team to face Devon.
The full team is: Cameron Gurd (Captain, Perranporth), Thomas Stephens (Trevose), George Law, Lewis Woolaway (Perranporth), Ewan Warren, Bradley Varcoe (St Austell), Lewis Bradley (St Enodoc), Ricardo Sanchez, Alec Nile (Carlyon Bay) and Josh Chapman (Tehidy Park)
The match gets underway at 9.00am. Cornwall's only other U18 fixture this season versus Somerset was postponed due to bad weather in early August and it is not yet known if this can be rescheduled.
U14s Win at Worlebury v Somerset But U16s Lose
Jack Roberts League Somerset U14 v Cornwall U14
Ben Enoch League Somerset U16 v Cornwall U16 Wednesday 14th August 2019, Worlebury GC
In their third Jack Roberts League fixture of the season the U14s took on their Somerset counterparts at Worlebury Golf Club.
After a practice round on Tuesday afternoon, followed by a team meal and a good night’s sleep at a local hotel, the U14s were greeted with wet and windy conditions when they arrived at Worlebury GC. After a team-talk led by PGA Professional Andy Welch (Whitsand Bay), the 9-hole foursomes matches teed off in what were at times horrid conditions. However, after half-an-hour the rain soon dissipated to leave a dry, breezy and overcast day.
Cornwall’s lead pairing of Jack Kevern (West Cornwall) and Archie Fox (Falmouth), continued their winning streak to record a fine 4&3 victory to gain the first point of the day. This was swiftly followed by Isaac D’Bue (Falmouth) and debutant, Jack Welch (Whitsand Bay) who also recorded a convincing 3&2 victory. Both pairings were level par at the conclusion of the matches. The third point came from the new pairing of Harry Drewett (Falmouth) and Matthew Hooper (Truro) who also recorded an impressive 5&3 win. The Carlyon Bay pairing of Hugo Watson and Harry Richards were defeated by a margin of 3&2. This meant that Cornwall ended the morning with a 3 – 1 advantage.
After a quick lunch, the afternoon singles began. Despite an early lead, Jack Kevern eventually lost 3&1. However, Archie Fox quickly restored the 2-point advantage by recording a fine 3&1 victory. This was soon followed by a half point from Isaac D’Bue. Harry Richards gained revenge for his morning defeat to record a good 4&2 win, while Hugo Watson played magnificently to win 4&3. Falmouth’s Harry Drewett won 1 up to record his second point of the day. With the match won, debutant Jack Welch went down 3&2 to an inspired Somerset opponent while in the final match, Matthew Hooper was always in control and recorded a 3&2 victory.
Team manager, Andrew Kevern, commented, "What a tremendous away victory the boys achieved today. Everyone of them contributed at least a point to the victory and the smiles on their faces at the end showed their joy at gaining the win. With the final match against an unbeaten Dorset team at Launceston, we know it's going to be a tough match. However, if the boys show the spirit they demonstrated today there's no doubt they gain gain a win on home soil."
Overall, the match was won by Cornwall U14s by 8½ to 3½. U14 Match Sheet
The U14 boys go into their final fixture against Dorset at Launceston GC on Friday 23rd August knowing that a win will secure the league title.
For the U16s (above) it was a different story at Worlebury though as Somerset U16’s proved too strong sweeping to an 8-4 victory in the Ben Enoch Trophy competition.
In the morning Foursomes Liam Wilson (Trevose) and Alec Nile (Carlyon Bay) were the only winning pair for Cornwall winning on the 17th 2 and 1. Thomas Stephens (Trevose) and Will Price (Perranporth) managed a half. TheTehidy Park pairing of Matthew Lamb & Lee Chambers and Sam Hawkey (Truro) & Jonty Jenkin (West Cornwall) both lost 1 down. Cornwall therefore went into the afternoon singles matches 2.5 to 1.5 down.
The Duchy got off to a good start in the singles as Wilson overcame Dewi John 3 and 2. However the only other singles winner though was Price who won 2 and 1 against Jack Coward with an impressive birdie on the 17th. Stephens managed another half against Bailey Langford to give Cornwall a total of 2.5 points from the singles matches as Somerset went on to win the remaining 5 matches; Nile losing 2 and 1, Lee Chambers 6 and 5, whilst Lamb, Jenkin and Hawkey all lost 7 and 6.
The matches were played in a great spirit and although losing heavily it was a valuable experience for those Cornwall juniors new to playing at U16’s County level. The lessons learned will stand them in good stead for future encounters. The U16s play their last match v Dorset at Launceston also on 23rd August.
Worlebury GC were great hosts to the two teams and this was acknowledged by all.
U18s Open Greenaway Campaign v Somerset
Cornwall v Somerset, Wednesday 9th August 2109, Trethorne GC, Roy Greenaway League
The Cornwall U18s will begin their quest for honours in this year's U18 Roy Greenaway league with a match against Somerset at Trethorne Gc on Wednesday 9th August 2019. Team Manager Derek Law has named his team and there are a number of new faces including the Tehidy Park sibling pairing of Ben and Matthew Lamb.
The full team is: Lewis Bradley (St Enodoc), Thomas Stephens (Trevose), George Bray, Josh Hodge (Truro), Bradley Varcoe (St Austell), Ben Lamb, Matthew Lamb, Jack Kevern (West Cornwall), Will Price (Perranporth) and Alec Nile (Carlyon Bay).
Two weeks later on Wednesday 21st August the U18s will plat Devon at Staddon Heights GC, Plymouth.
Please note this match was canceled due to inclement weather
Debut for Welch as U14 Team for Worlebury Named
Somerset v Cornwall, Wednesday 14th August 2019, Worlebury GC, Jack Roberts League
Cornwall U14 Team Manager Andrew Kevern has named the Duchy team which will face Somerset at Worlebury GC in a fortnight's time and amongst the team and making his U14 debut is Whitsand Bay's rising star and current County U12 Champion, Jack Welch.
The full team is: Jack Kevern (Captain) West Cornwall, Isaac D’Bue, Archie Fox, Harry Drewett (Falmouth), Harry Richards, Hugo Watson (Carlyon Bay), Welch and Matthew Hooper (Truro).
Cornwall have played two games to date and sit second in the table behind unbeaten Dorset. Dorset and Cornwall meet at Launceston on Friday 23rd August 2019.
Devon Juniors Qualify as Cornwall Disappoint at Mendip
SWCGA Boys Championship Thursday 11th July 2019 Mendip Spring GC, Somerset
Devon's boys claimed the SW region's spot for the English Boys County Finals later this year with a convincing 27 shot win over runners up Somerset at Mendip Spring GC on Thursday. Cornwall's 6 man team finished in 4th place. Having claimed the winners spot in 2018 the Duchy's day was disappointing.In the individual championship the winner was Dylan Xanh (Somerset) with rounds of 72 and 70 for a level par total of 142.
Cornwall U18's - pictured above with PGA Professional Richard Sadler and Team Manager Derek Law - were not able to repeat their winning performance at Perranporth last year in the 6 Counties held this last week at Mendip Spring in North Somerset. The week had got off to a reasonable start with the annual pre-tournament match v Dorset. The matchplay scratch better ball ended in an honourable draw with the pairings of Joe Reynard/George Law and Liam Wilson/Ewan Warren both winning 2 and 1 and losses for Lewis Woolaway/Thomas Stephens 5 and 3 and Cameron Gurd/ Josh Chapman 2 and 1.
Cornwall were well prepared following a further practice round with County professional Richard Sadler offering his advice and support on what was proving to be a challenging course. The selected team of 6 was George Leigh, Reynard, Gurd, Law, Wilson and Stephens but the team failed to live up to expectations with the best counting score (five from 6 players) over the 36 holes coming from George Leigh who was 14th and carded 150 over the 2 rounds. Stephens (16th) was next best placed with rounds of 77 and 74.
Two of the Counties other experienced players had mixed rounds Joe Reynard recording the best Cornwall morning round of 75 to be followed by 84 in the afternoon which was the worst of the 6 and therefore a non-counting round as he finished in 31st spot. Team Captain Cameron Gurd had a similar mixed day his 82 in the morning not counting and a better effort in the afternoon of 75, to finish 24th.
Other Cornwall Scores: Lewis Woolaway (78,75 = 153, 18th), Liam Wilson (78,77 = 155, 21st), George Law (81,78 = 159, 30th), Josh Chapman (81,86 = 167, 43rd) and Ewan Warren (82,86 = 168, 48th).
Cornwall thus ended up in a disappointing fourth place overall with a score of 765, three shots behind third place Dorset (762) and four behind second place Somerset who recorded 761.
The very strong Devon team effectively ran away from the field winning the competition with an impressive 734 which gave them the 27 shot margin over Somerset. Congratulations must go to Devon who had also had to deal with the sad loss of their long term County Junior Manager Grahame Moore who had passed away shortly before the start of the event. Grahame would have been proud of his boy's achievements at Mendip Spring, mastering a difficult and challenging track.
The South Western Counties Boy's Champion for 2019 was Dylan Xanh from the home club and representing Somerset with rounds of 72 + 70 = 142. A single shot back was Fred Bishop (Exeter Golf & Country Club - Devon) with rounds of 72 + 71 = 143 and i third place was Ollie Brimfield (Mendip Spring Golf Club - Somerset) scoring 75 + 70 totalling 145.
Devon's team will now go on to represent the South West Region in the English Boys County Finals to be staged at North Foreland Golf Club, Kent on 27th to 29th August 2019. The Devon team was David Baldwin, Fred Bishop Jack Jeffery, Matt Millar, Craig Passmore and James Reed.
Mendip Spring were excellent hosts for the event and thuis was much appreciated by all concerned.
U14s Beaten at High Post
Jack Roberts League Wiltshire v Cornwall Sunday 23rd June 2019 High Post GC
Eight Cornwall U14s are returning from Wiltshire this evening after losing their match with their hosting counterparts. The final score Wiltshire 8 - 4 Cornwall.
Cornwall trailed at the halfway point by 2.5 - 1.5 having claimed one of the foursomes through Captain Jack Kevern (West Cornwall) and Archie Fox (Falmouth). The Falmouth pairing of Harry Drewett and Isaac D'Bue claimed a foursomes half.
The afternoon singles did not go the way of Cornwall who won just 2.5 points from the eight available. Captain Kevern again did his bit at the top of the order by 4&3 and Matthew Hooper (Truro) at the bottom end also gained a win by the same scoreline. D'Bue gained his second half point of the day.
Team Manager Andrew Kevern summed up the team's performance saying 'We were down at lunch but started the singles well and were up in the top 5 of those through 9 holes. Unfortunately depsite best efforts we were unable to maintain that position. We have to look forward now and prepare for our next game away to Somerset in mid August.'
George and Kira are County Champions 2019
CGU & CLCGA Junior County Championships 2019 Sunday 16th June The Point at Polzeath GC
Yesterday at a windswept, cool and intermittently wet Point at Polzeath GC, a total of 51 junior boys and girls took part in their respective County Championships.
17 year old George Law (above, Perranporth) became Junior County Champion 2019 with a 36 hole total of 148 for a two shot victory over Joe Reynard (Trevose, 150) and Cameron Gurd (Perranporth, 150).
Kira Barnes (above, St Enodoc) became Junior Ladies Champion with a one round total of 83.
George’s win seemed unlikely after Round 1 where he returned a 7 over par 79. A magnificent 2nd round effort of 69 (-3), the best round of the day, included 7 birdies and 9 pars and this was enough to see him over the line.
Gurd (above) though had the consolation of a return to form as his 150 total meant a win in the U16 Championship. Gurd had led the entire proceedings after his first round level par 72 but four dropped shots on his second round front nine plus two doubles on the back 9 put paid to his chances.
Matthew Lamb (above, Tehidy Park) had a good day as his two round gross total of 157 was good enough to see him claim wins in both the U16 and U18 Nett Championship.
Playing off 9 his two nett scores were 70 and 69. A similar performance from Alec Nile (Carlyon Bay) saw him claim runners up spot in both age groups, whilst Ryan Gregory (St Mellion) also featured as a prizewinner in the two categories.
Junior Boys Prizewinners:
U18 Gross
1st George Law (Perranporth) 148 (79, 69)
2nd Joe Reynard (Trevose) 150 (74, 76)
3rd Cameron Gurd (Perranporth) 150 (72, 78)
4th Morgan Craven (Perranporth) 157 (82, 75)
U18 Nett
1st Matthew Lamb (Tehidy Park) 139 (70, 69)
2nd Alec Nile (Carlyon Bay) 142 (73, 69)
3rd Thomas Stephens (Trevose) 144 (78, 66)
4th Ryan Gregory (St Mellion) 145 (78, 67)
U16 Gross
1st Cameron Gurd (Perranporth) 150 (72, 78)
2nd Thomas Stephens (Trevose) 154 (83, 71)
3rd Josh Chapman (Tehidy Park) 156 (76, 80)
4th Morgan Craven (Perranporth) 157 (82, 75)
U16 Nett
1st Matthew Lamb (Tehidy Park) 139 (70, 69)
2nd Alec Nile (Carlyon Bay) 142 (73, 69)
3rd Ryan Gregory (St Mellion) 145 (78, 67)
4th Morgan Bryant (Bude & N Cornwall) 145 (74, 71)
The prize giving was led by CGU Juniors President Alan Lund and CGU Vice President Andrew Clotworthy. Both were wholesome in their praise of and thanks to The Point at Polzeath for staging the competition. Lund made special mention of Archie Carnegie (above) who made a hole in one at The Point’s par 3 16th during the afternoon round, an achievement which was also recognised.
Clotworthy praised both the Junior boys and girls who had taken part and referenced the recent Mens SW Week suggesting there were places for some of today’s competitors in upcoming county teams. He also made mention of the excellent achievement the previous day as Emily Toy (Carlyon Bay) won the R&A Women’s Amateur Championship.
Lund thanked Clotworthy for being present throughout the day and mentioned the CGU Vice President’s name appears on the trophy (about to be awarded to Law) back in the late1970s.
During the presentations County U18 Manager, Derek Law named the team to represent Cornwall in the 6 Counties Championships, this year being played at Mendip Spring GC, Somerset on the 11th July. Law was able to announce a very strong side despite the unavailability of Men’s County Champion George Leigh (Trevose).
The 8 man team is: Joe Reynard (Trevose), the newly crowned Junior County Champion George Law (Perranporth), his Perranporth team mate and U16 Champion Cameron Gurd, Liam Wilson (Trevose), Thomas Stephens (Trevose), Ewan Warren (St.Austell), Lewis Woolaway and Morgan Craven (both Perranporth). Josh Chapman (Tehidy Park) is named first reserve following a fine performance at the Point.
Law said “There is an air of optimism with Reynard, Gurd and Law having all gained experience playing for the Men's County Team this past year and most of the squad having played in the National Final in Durham last October. An additional boost for the team is the involvement this year of top local playing professional Richard Sadler who will be travelling with and supporting the team at Mendip Spring”.
Earlier in the day the CLCGA Junior Championship had concluded with an emphatic 10 shot win for Kira Barnes as she posted the junior girls low score of 83 which included 11 pars. Next best girl was Sophia Bishop (Killiow) on 93, winning the runners up salver. Daisy Lane (St Enodoc) was the girls nett winner with a nett 77 just pipping 9 year old Charlotte Jenkin (West Cornwall) on countback. Lizzy Nile (Carlyon Bay) claimed the honours in terms of stableford points scored. CLCGA Junior Organiser Mel Nile and Andrew Clotworthy presented the prizes and congratulated all those who had taken part.
Sophia Bishop (above left), Daisy Lane (above centre and Lizzy Nile (above right)
SWCGA U14 and U16 Disappointment for Cornwall
SWCGA U14/U16 Championship Friday 31st May 2019 Truro GC
There was disappointment for Cornwall at last week's SWCGA U14 and U16 Championship staged on a magnificently presented home course at Truro. With four members of the overall 9 man team having been long term members at the club hopes were high but in the end the team just did not deliver on the day to the level they are capable of. (The Cornwall team are pictured above L to R: Harry Drewett, Josh Chapman, Liam Wilson, Morgan Craven, Cameron Gurd, Thomas Stephens, Jack Kevern, Archie Fox, and Alec Nile)
U16 Team Manager Derek Law reports;
The conditions couldn't have been better for the South West Counties U16/14's Championship on a warm, sunny, windless day at Truro Golf Club last Friday. With the course and greens in excellent condition expectations were high as our team went out with home advantage and considerable knowledge and experience of Truro Golf Course. But it wasn't to be as the team finished in 4th place with a score of 533 behind winners Somerset on 519, Devon (522) and Gloucestershire (523). Each of the six Counties had a team comprised of six U16's and three U14's with the best 7 scores to count.
For the U16's the best score of the day for Cornwall came from Liam Wilson (Trevose, above despatching one into Truro) with a 4 over gross score of 71 on the par 67 course. The other counting scores for the U16's came from Thomas Stephens (Trevose) who scored 73, Morgan Craven (Perranporth) 74, Josh Chapman (Tehidy Park) 75 and finally Cameron Gurd (Perranporth) with a 79.
Truro Tree Trouble
For the U14's Jack Kevern (West Cornwall) posted a counting score of gross 80 and Archie Fox (Falmouth) scored 81.
The non-counting scores were from Alec Nile (Carlyon Bay) 82 and Harry Drewitt (Falmouth) 83.
A positive highlight was Liam Wilson receiving a prize for recording the second best nett score.
Cameron Gurd under the watchful eye of respected Coach John Jacobs
At the presentation Truro Golf Club and it's Members were thanked for allowing the course to be used for the Championships in such good condition and for the superb welcoming atmosphere and excellent food and hospitality. The club most certainly did Cornwall proud.
U14 Boys Demolish Devon For Season-Opening Win
On a bright, breezy day at Truro Golf Club, the U14 Boys team (pictured above), led by Jack Kevern (West Cornwall), defeated a spirited Devon team by a margin of 9 - 3.
The foundations were set in the morning foursomes where Cornwall claimed 3 points to Devon’s one. This was achieved by wins for Jack Kevern (West Cornwall) & Archie Fox (Fal) 2&1; Harry Drewett & Isaac D’Bue (both Falmouth) 3&2; and Hugo Watson & Harry Richards (both Carlyon Bay) 4&3. In the final match, the home pairing of Matthew Hooper and Sam Rogers were narrowly defeated by a 1-hole margin.
With 3.5 points needed from the afternoon singles to claim the victory, Cornwall’s boys won six out of the eight singles matches to add a further six points to their total. Jack Kevern claimed a 1up win with a birdie on 18; Harry Drewett also closed his match out on the final hole to secure another 1up victory; Isaac D’Bue claimed a 3&1 victory; Hugo Watson won 5&3; Harry Richards won 3&2 and home player, Sam Rogers, claimed a 3&2 win on his debut.
This is the first victory the U14 boys team has achieved for nearly two years with all the boys playing their part in the win. The U14 boys next match is away to Wiltshire on Sunday 23rd June.
Team Manager Andrew Kevern was delighted. He said "What a team performance today to defeat Devon. Today's result didn't happen by luck. It was a result of all the hard work put in by the juniors over the past year with their individual coaches and through their attendance at the County Academy training sessions over the winter months led by Matt Tucknott and his PGA assistants, Josh Hancock and Scott Richards. With our last win being in Somerset in 2017 this was a real improvement. Our teams' behaviour today was first class, both on and off the course, with their matches being played in great spirit.
U14s & U16s Face Devon This Weekend
U14 Jack Roberts League Cornwall v Devon, U16 Ben Enoch Trophy Cornwall v Devon
Sunday 19th May 2019 at Truro GC
Both Cornwall U14 and U16 teams will play Devon this coming weekend in opening inter county matches in their respective 2019 leagues.
U16 Team Manager Derek Law has named his team as: Thomas Stephens (Captain, Trevose), Liam Wilson (Trevose), Will Price, Morgan Craven (both Perranporth), Charlie Ward (Launceston), Ryan Gregory (St Mellion), Sam Hawkey (Truro) and Lee Chambers (Tehidy Park).
U14 Team Manager Andrew Kevern has named the following team: Jack Kevern (Captain, West Cornwall), Archie Fox, Isaac D'Bue, Harry Drewett (all Falmouth), Hugo Watson, Harry Richards (both Carlyon Bay), Sam Rogers and Matthew Hooper (both Truro).
Jack Trumps The Pack
CGU U14 and U12 County Championship, Sunday 12th May 2019, Truro GC
On Sunday West Cornwall's rising star Jack Kevern (above with CGU Juniors President Alan Lund) produced the best card in the pile when he put behind him the disappointment of 2018 to claim this year's U14 Junior County Champion title at Truro. Pipped in 2018 after a penalty cost him the title, this time Kevern returned a gross 74 over the Truro course which was in excellent condition.
In total 30 juniors took part on the day in U14, U12 and U15 (Girls) competitions and this included three 10 year olds.
Kevern's round was made up of 11 pars and nothing worse than single bogeys on the remainder. He was pushed close by Archie Fox (Falmouth) who scored a 76 to take the runners up spot with clubmate Harry Drewett third on 78.
The U14 handicap winner was Harry Richards (Carlyon Bay, nett 65) with Liam Bateman (St Enodoc) runner up one shot further back.
The U12 Junior County Champion is Jack Welch (above, Whitsand Bay). 11 year old Welch shot a gross 86 which was better than some of the older players performing in the U14 competition. U12 runner up with an 87 was Hugo Watson (Carlyon Bay). The U12 nett winner was Kian Williams (Carlyon Bay) with a nett 69.
In the boys 29-54 handicaps stableford the winner was Kieran Hughes (Carlyon Bay) who returned an excellent 40 to claim the win by three points from Xander Spratt (Falmouth).
For the girls the U15 County Champion this year is Maisie Drewett (Falmouth) with a gross 81. The girls Futures Cup (37-54 Handicap over 9 holes) was won by Sienna Hickling (Newquay) with 23 stableford points. 2nd place was Jessica Prior (Carlyon Bay) on 19. The U15 Nett winner was Ella-Grace Crocker (Carlyon Bay) with a nett score of 70, whilst playing her first 18 hole medal Charlotte Jenkin (West Cornwall) was runner up on nett 74.
U14/U12 Boys (29-54 Handicaps) Scores
U14 Boys Beat the Girls but Ella Grace Stars
CLCGA Girls v U14 Boys Sunday 28th April 2019 Truro GC
The U14 Boys and the CLCGA Girls prior to their match
On Sunday afternoon the U14 Boys team took on their CLCGA counterparts at Truro GC in their first outing of the year. The format of the match was an individual stableford with the best six scores from each team counting. For the boys, Harry Richards (Carlyon Bay) returned a fine 40 points, while for the girls, it was their youngest player, Ella-Grace Crocker (Carlyon Bay) who amassed 44 points. However, overall the boys took the match honours with a total of 215 points against the girls total of 207.
Truro Golf Club again hosted junior county competition as the boys prepare for the SWCGA U14/U16 Championship taking place there at the end of May. Before then the U12 and U14 Boys Championship will take place (Sunday 12th May also at Truro) and at the conclusion of this an 8 man team for the Jack Roberts League match v Devon on Sunday 19th May will be named.
Chinnydippers Calm Carlyon Bay...
CGU U12 MIni Tour Carlyon Bay 21st April 2019
Our U12 golfers had the pleasure of playing Carlyon Bay Golf today on what was simply a warm, and breath taking day. As usual, birthday boy Matt Tucknott and Josh Hancock provided some first class coaching on the short course prior to the tee times. County President Alan Lund oversaw the first tee as is now customary.
With the course starting to firm up, we were expecting some good scores and we were certainly not disappointed.
In the Boys Congu, Thomas Richards took first place with 24 points, Jay Dingle in second with 21 points beating local boy Hugo (lowest gross of 38) who also scored 21 points.
It was Sienna Hickling who won the girls section with 20 points, Charlotte Jenkin (lowest gross of 52) in second with 19 points and Ella Grace Crocker with 18.
In our Unassisted Golf Access category, Fred Kirkland from Tehidy took 1st place with a nett 41. Alfred Treeby (lowest gross of 45) placed second with a nett 42, and Harrison Gurd with a nett 43.
The Assisted Golf Access section saw some remarkable scores! Archie Ridgewell placed first with a nett 32, Alfie Sanders with a nett 37 in second and finishing in 3rd was William Wilcocks with a nett 38. Well done to young William Uglow who scored the lowest gross of 44.
After the presentation, the pressure was well and truly on Josh Hancock as he was putting to beat the best child’s score to win 48 Easter Eggs. Luckily the kids won, and the eggs were shared.
We had a lot of help putting on this day, with golfing parents from Tehidy, St Austell, Carlyon Bay, Radnor and Tehidy all chipping in. Thank you all for a wonderful day. Happy Easter!
Trevose Trio Top Champion Club Team
England Golf Junior Champion Club Qualifier 17th April 2019 Truro GC
The Trevose G&CC three man team of Liam Wilson, Matthew Tremain and Thomas Stephens topped the pile in the Engalnd Golf Junior Champion Club Qualifier at Truro GC last week. Their prize will be a trip to Woodhall Spa In august this year when they will represent Cornwall in a two day final against other county winners from across England. The three (pictured above with CGU Juniors President Alan Lund) combined to an aggregate total of 109 stableford points. Wilson scored 38 of those closely followed by Stephens (37) and Tremain on 34.
The Trevose total was two shots better than runners up Carlyon Bay on 107 made up of 38 from Ricardo Sanchez, 37 from Lewis Gay and 32 from Alec Nile. Third spot went to Falmouth (106) with Will Sercombe (38), Archie Fox (34) and Harry Drewett (34).
Individual winner on the day with an excellent 42 points was Sam Hawkey (above, Truro), Runner up was Hannah McGrath (Carlyon Bay) with 39. Sercombe's 38 saw him pip Wilson on countback and the latter was a countback benefactor over 5th placed Lewis Bradley (St Enodoc).
South West Four Counties Championship
10th/11th April 2019 Weston-super-Mare GC
Eight of Cornwall’s finest young golfers represented the County U18’s in the SW Four Counties Championships which took place last week hosted by Weston-super-Mare GC. The team are pictured above with Manager Derek Law and CGU Juniors President Alan Lund. (L to R: Law, George Law, Lewis Woolaway, Ricardo Sanchez, Cameron Gurd (Captain), Morgan Craven, Ewan Warren, Liam wilson, Thomas Stephens, Lund)
Team Manager Derek Law reports ......
The competition kicked off on the first morning of the two day event with the individual stroke play competition with the six best scores of eight to count. Although Cornwall came a disappointing third in the stroke play event, Cornwall’s Thomas Stephens (Trevose) did manage a creditable 2 over gross 72 to come joint second in the individual competition. A strong Devon team won the team stroke play with Devon’s James Reed winning the individual prize.
The main event commenced on the first afternoon with Cornwall defending the Four Counties Matchplay Shield they won last year with the first of their three matches played against Devon. With four singles matches and one foursomes to play despite Devon’s strength the match provided a tense and close finish. With losses for Thomas Stephens 2&1,Lewis Woolaway 4&3 and Ricardo Sanchez 3&2 and wins for Liam Wilson 3&2 and the foursomes pairing of Ewan Warren and Morgan Craven 5&4 the match was closely poised at 3-2 to Devon. This left the scores of the Perranporth duo of Junior County Captain Cameron Gurd and George Law whose matches had gone all the way with both encounters going down the 18th all square. Devon managed to scrape a win in both and the final score of 5-2 did not reflect the closeness of the overall match.
The next morning Cornwall played Somerset and bounced back coming away victorious with a 4.5 - 2.5 win. In the singles convincing wins were recorded by George Law 5&3, Cameron Gurd 4&3, Ewan Warren 2up and foursomes pair Ricardo Sanchez/Thomas Stephens 2&1. Liam Wilson managed to half his match with losses for Morgan Craven 5&4 and Lewis Woolaway 2 down.
On the final afternoon Cornwall faced a strong Dorset team who had managed to win their match in the morning against Devon and were unbeaten having also won against Somerset. It was still all to play for. What was ironically amusing was to witness our fierce but friendly rivals Devon cheering Cornwall on in the hope we would defeat the unbeaten Dorset side thereby influencing Devon’s chances of taking the shield. As it happened a superbly fought close contest was halved 3.5-3.5 with defeats for Thomas Stephens 2&1 and the foursomes pair of Craven and Sanchez 5&4. George Law, Lewis Woolaway and Ewan Warren all halved their matches with both Liam Wilson 3&1 and Cameron Gurd 1up winning.
As it turned out Dorset won the shield but the Cornwall youngsters were the only team to take them close.
Team Manager Derek Law said “The trip was an overall success with our U18’s doing Cornwall proud both on and off the golf course, drawing compliments and praise from our County rivals and Weston-super-Mare GC officials alike. The competition was great preparation and experience for the forthcoming 6 Counties Championships in July”.
The Four competing teams pictured together below
U18s Claim Win Over Ladies
CGU U18 Boys v CLCGA Ladies Sunday 24th March 2019 West Cornwall GC
Cornwall's Boys team played a match against a team made up predominantly of the County Ladies at West Cornwall in dry but windy conditions last Sunday. The Boys ran out convincing 5-0 winners in games played in a great spirit.
Match Result Sheet - click here
The CLCGA team are pictured below; Victoria Pawley and Laura Andrew, Wendy Briggs and Jan Harrison, Kira Barnes and Lauren Hulston, Cath Hopkins and Caroline Hume-Kendall, Maddie Watson and Lizzie Nile.
Pictured above are the U18 team at West Cornwall (L to R): Ewan Warren, Liam Wilson, George Law, Morgan Craven, Lewis Woolaway, Ricardo Sanchez, Thomas Stephens, Josh Hodge, Bradley Varcoe and George Bray)
Duchy Juniors Well Beaten at Tavistock
CGU U18s v Devon U18s Thursday 21st February 2019 Tavistock GC
On a glorious day at Tavistock GC yesterday, Devon’s U18 Boys team strolled to a convincing win over their Cornish neighbours in the annual pre-season friendly.
The two teams played a scratch stableford qualifying competition with 12 players per side and with the best 10 scores from the 12 to count towards a team aggregate total. Devon whose handicaps ranged from plus 2 to 4 were by far the stronger team on paper with the Cornish handicaps ranging up to 8. Devon’s best 10 scores saw them to a total of 320 and a thumping 44 point win over Cornwall on 276.
The Cornwall team are pictured above (L to R: Jack Kevern, Bradley Varcoe, Ricardo Sanchez, Lewis Woolaway, Joe Reynard, Cameron Gurd, Morgan Craven, Lewis Bradley, Ewan Warren, Josh Chapman, George Bray and Thomas Stephens).
Breaking down the scores somewhat - Devon’s Fred Bishop and David Baldwin returned gross 71s whilst the Duchy’s best gross came from Joe Reynard (Trevose) on 73.
Stepping in on matchday morning to the Cornwall team, 13 year old Jack Kevern (above, West Cornwall) performed really well shooting a gross 76 off his 8 handicap for arguably the best performance of the day. Coming in the same week as Kevern had been successful with a partner in the match v Cornwall Seniors, Jack cemented his growing pedigree with 12 pars and one birdie. Cornwall Junior Captain Cameron Gurd (Perranporth) also returned a gross 76.
Tavistock GC was in very good condition and the club and Devon proved excellent hosts.
Qualifying Competition Results
Devon v Cornwall Gross Stableford Scores
Juniors and Seniors Tie at Perranporth
CGU Juniors v CGU Seniors Monday 18th February 2019 Perranporth GC
In a tight match today played in windy conditions over a sun drenched Perranporth, the County U18 Boys fought back to achieve a 3 all draw with their elders, the CGU Seniors in what was a tight overall match serving as a season opener for both teams.The Junior team were Jack Kevern, Bradley Varcoe, George Bray, Ricardo Sanchez, Joe Reynard, Lewis Woolaway, Cameron Gurd (Capt), Ewan Warren, Morgan Craven, Harry Macauley, Lewis Bradley and Thomas Stephens.
Playing fourball betterball matchplay the Boys got their noses in front in the top match as County Junior Captain Cameron Gurd and partner Joe Reynard saw off Seniors Captain Andy Rowe and his partner David Kneebone with a 5&3 win. (1-0 to the Juniors) The subsequent three matches on the course were all decided by the odd hole. In Game 2 juniors Ewan Warren and Thomas Stephens were beaten at the last by Warwick Holland and Trevor Ashton (1-1), whilst in Game 3 Morgan Craven and Lewis Woolaway won also at the last against the senior pairing of County Vice Captain Charlie Phillips and Richard Bunch (2-1).
Seniors Gary Stone and Stewart Bradley again redressed the balance with a last hole win over Harry Macauley and Lewis Bradley (2-2). Game 5 saw seniors Rod Handyside and Trevor Robinson dismiss Bradley Varcoe and Ricardo Sanchez 4&2 to make it 3-2 to the slightly more aged team. But in the last encounter Game 6 another 18th home win for the youngest juniors in the Boys team George Bray and Jack Kevern saw the overall match finish 3-3.
The Junior Boys next face Devon at Tavistock GC on Thursday 21st February whilst the Seniors have Rd4 of their Winter OoM at Trevose G&CC on Tuesday 26th February 2019.
Perranporth Close Season with Junior Maxam Win
Junior Maxam Cup Friday 26th October 2018 St Austell GC
Perranporth Juniors (above with CGU Juniors President Alan Lund, minus Morgan Craven) won the County Junior Maxam Cup for the first time in the clubs history on Friday 26th October on a tough often wet and windy day at St Austell Golf Club.
Perranporth’s three foursomes pairings of Danielle Price with Morgan Craven, George Law with Cameron Gurd, and Lewis Woolaway with Rhys Kerton competed with the two lowest scores to count. Law and Gurd combined to return the joint lowest gross score of the day with 75, only to be pipped for the prize by Liam Wilson and Thomas Stephens (Truro) on countback. Woolaway and Kerton returned 84 but Price and Craven registered the second score with an 82, giving the team a total of 157 and a 6 shot victory over Truro (163) with Falmouth third on 171.
Alan Lund with the best gross pair Liam Wilson & Thomas Stephens (Truro)
Carlyon Bay (pictured below) won the nett competition on a 145 total with Falmouth runners up on 148 and Bude & N Cornwall third (150). Best nett pair prize went to Lewis Bradley and Jack Chudleigh (St Enodoc) with a nett 69.5
The St Austell course and weather looked good in the picture below!
U12s Five Counties - Cornwall Finish Fourth
U12 Five Counties Tournament , Sunday 23rd September 2018, Wheathill GC, Somerset
Cornwall U12s finished fourth of the 5 counties competing in the second year of the championship introduced especially for these budding golfers, and which took place this year at the parkland venue Wheathill GC in the far east of Somerset. With the best 4 from 6 scores to count Cornwall finished on a total of 145. Winners were Dorset with a massive 191 from runners up Wiltshire (183). Third spot went to Devon on 148 with host county Somerset just the one point behind Cornwall.
The Cornwall team were led by Harry Richards (Carlyon Bay) and the U12s Captain did his bit top scoring for the Duchy with 39 points. Richards was accompanied by Harry Taylor (St Mellion, 35), Hugo Watson (Carlyon Bay, 36), Harry Drewett (Falmouth, 35), Thomas Miller (Truro, 35) and Jack Welch (Whitsand Bay, 33).
Perranporth - Brian Gripe Summer Knockout Winners
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Winners Perranporth (L to R): Will Price, Rhys Kerton, Lewis Woolaway, Derek Law (Team Manager), Danielle Price, George Law and Morgan Craven
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Falmouth: Mick Fox (Team Manager), Alex Minter, Louis Ratcliffe, James Dempsey, Will Sercombe, Archie Fox, Alan Lund (CGU Juniors President)
Truro and The Point are Winners
Merlin GC yesterday hosted the finals of the Junior Bolitho League and Kernow Cup competitions and Truro and The Point at Polzeath emerged as the respective winners. On a dry occasionally sunny and breezy day a total of 47 juniors took part.
George Bolitho League
(L to R: Thomas Stephens, George Bray, Liam Wilson, Laura Andrew, Jack Andrew, Ricardo Sanchez and Josh Hodge)
With five teams having progressed to finals day the organising Junior Committee had to find a way of reducing the number to four and it was decided to stage a morning Stableford Qualifier with six scores to count towards a total for each of the teams of seven players. The two teams with the highest points tally would progress to the final and those in 3rd/4th place would make a playoff.
Truro topped the stableford totals with 212 as their best score was compiled by Laura Andrew (above) with an excellent 41 points whilst brother Jack Andrew and Thomas Stephens both returned 36 points. Bude & North Cornwall made it into the final on 197 just pipping Tehidy Park (196) with Perranporth on 193. Carlyon Bay (191) were the unlucky ones. For Bude the top scorers were Connor Vanstone with 37 and Harry Macauley (36). Tehidy’s top scorer was Declan Allan (35) whilst for Perranporth Will Price scored 39. Whilst Carlyon Bay had two excellent 39 point tallies from Alec Nile and Lewis Gay the rest of their team were unable to match.
The afternoon final then saw Truro take on Bude and whilst this was a competitive encounter it was in the end one sided as despite giving shots in all of the matches, Truro retained their title 5.75 - 1. Bude had to concede one game from the outset with only 6 players and the only point for them came from Morgan Bryant who beat Ricardo Sanchez 1 up. The Truro wins were recorded by Liam Wilson (3&2 over Harry Macauley), Laura Andrew (3&2 over Elliot Pates), Thomas Stephens (1 up on Connor Vanstone), Jack Andrew (8&6 over David Currie) and George Bray (7&5 over Jack Cottle).
In the 3rd place playoff Tehidy despatched Perranporth 5.5 - 1.5.
Kernow Cup
(L to R; Kai Dingle, Archie Carnegie, Jay Dingle)
The Point at Polzeath 3 man team, playing in their first season in CGU junior competitions, became Kernow Cup winners for 2018.Brothers Kai and Jay Dingle teamed up with Archie Carnegie to record a 2-1 win for the Polzeath based club in what proved a very close and exciting final against a plucky Carlyon Bay side.
Before that in the morning semi finals The Point had beaten St Mellion 2-1 with wins for the Dingle brothers (Kai 2 up on Ryan Gregory and Jay 4&2 over Evie Palmer) with St Mellion’s Harry Taylor defeating Carnegie 3&2.
In the other semi Carlyon Bay beat Truro 3 x 1 up wins for Maddie Watson (over Sam Hawkey), Lizzy Nile (over Sam Rogers) and Quinten Tse (over Thomas Miller).
The final as stated was a very close affair with two games going to the 19th hole - Merlin’s par 3 first. Kai Dingle was 3 up over Maddie Watson through 14 holes but Maddie fought back to level things and take the game to the first again. Unfortunately she hit a wayward shot at the first whilst Kai was just short of the green. Whilst Watson made a good recovery she could not get up and down and Kai made a good 3 to put a point on the board.
As Carnegie went down 2&1 to Lizzy Nile it was now down to Jay Dingle and Raymond Tse who had replaced brother Quinten after the morning semi. Tse was one down playing 18 but managed to win the hole with a 5 and this game too headed to the first.
Jay Dingle the victor shakes hands with Raymond Tse
Tse found the water left of the 1st hole and with Jay nicely positioned on the front left fringe he held the advantage and so it panned out as a comfortable three for Jay gave The Point victory amid joyous scenes.
In a crowded clubhouse CGU Secretary Chris Pountney thanked those who had remained at the end of a long day. He first thanked Richard Burrough and all at Merlin GC for the sterling efforts they had made across the day from first light in providing three sets of meals to those participating and also for the condition the course had been presented in. The scores achieved in the morning stableford were a testament to what was possible. He also thanked Gary Andrew and Dave Watson for their help throughout the day, before presenting the prizes.
Other pictures to follow .....
Warren Wins Well at Mullion
St Austell’s Ewan Warren was the major boys winner at yesterday’s CGU Junior Autumn Meeting which once again was staged at Mullion Golf Club. A total of 41 girls and boys took part in separate competitions. (Warren is pictured above falnked by Mullion GC Captain Mike Pamphilon and CGU Juniors President Alan Lund)
In warm and benign conditions with some sunshine, Warren returned a one over par 71 to claim the Penhale Cup for best gross of the day. For him this was a good end to a long week in which he had represented Cornwall at the English Boys County Finals in Durham and with just a day’s rest he scored very well going out in level par with the highlights being a birdie 2 at the 8th followed by an eagle 3 at 9. His back nine contained two further birdies but three single shot bogeys, one at the very last, restricted him to a one over par total for those 9 holes.
Nevertheless his margin of victory was just the one shot over Ollie Watson (Carlyon Bay, above) who returned an excellent gross 72 off his 6 handicap. Watson who doubled his last hole did however claim the best nett score of the day 66 (72-6).
Best U16 gross score also went to a St Austell player in Bradley Varcoe (above)who scored a 76.
Best U14 gross score was claimed by Perranporth’s County U14 Team Captain Will Price (above) with a great 77.
The best U14 nett score of the day came from Isaac D’Bue (Falmouth, above) with a nett 67 just pipping clubmate Will Sercombe on the same score by virtue of countback.
On a day when no junior could win more than one prize, the winners were:
Under 14 Nett Winner: Isaac D’Bue (Falmouth) Nett 67 (cb)
Runner-up: Will Sercombe (Falmouth) Nett 67
(10-18 H’cap) Winner: Alec Minter (Falmouth) Nett 71
Runner-up: Jonty Jenkin (West Cornwall) Nett 74
(0-9) H’cap) Winner: Louis Ratcliffe (Falmouth) Nett 70
Runner-up: Morgan Craven (Perranporth) Nett 72
Best U14 Gross Winner: Will Price (Perranporth) Gross 77
Best U16 Gross Winner: Bradley Varcoe (St Austell) Gross 76
Best U18 Nett Winner: Ollie Watson (Carlyon Bay) Nett 66
U18 Gross Winner: Ewan Warren (St Austell) Gross 71
Runner-up: Rhys Kerton (Perranporth) Gross 75
At the prizegiving Mullion Club Captain Mike Pamphilon welcomed those present to the club saying how pleased they were not only to again host this long standing event but also to see so many enthusiastic junior golfers participating. Pamphilon presented the prize in conjunction with CGU Juniors President Alan Lund, who thanked Mullion wholeheartedly for their hospitality to the Juniors and to both the CGU and the Cornwall Ladies County Golf Association.
County Ladies Captain, Sue Roworth, presented the prizes and a brand new trophy which was dedicated to her in recognition and thanks for all the help and support she has given the Junior Section in her 4 years as Vice Captain and Captain.
The inaugural winner of the Roworth Cup was Laura Andrew (Truro) who clearly has a liking for Britain’s most southerly course as she won the Ladies County Championship there in 2017. Andrew returned a gross 76. Runner Up was Hannah Body (West Cornwall) with a gross 82. Laura is pictured above with Mike Pamphilon, Girls Junior Organiser Cath Andrew and on the right Sue Roworth (CLCGA County Captain)
Winner of the girls nett competition was Sophia Hallett, from Mullion, with a nett 68 and the runner up was Charlotte Luke from West Cornwall won the 2nd nett with 69. Hallett also won the Cup for the best gross score from a Mullion Junior with a gross 87.
U16s in Great Away Win over Dorset
Ben Enoch Trophy Dorset v Cornwall Tuesday 28th August 2018
With the majority of the usual U16 team involved in the English Boys County Finals the Cornwall U16 team (above) looked completely different with many of the boys not having represented the team let alone the county before. Nevertheless they all stepped up to the plate and delivered a fantastic away win by a 6.5 - 5.5 margin against Dorset at the prestigious Ferndown GC venue.
The victory was set up by the morning foursomes as the Duchy took a 3-1 lead into lunch. First off was a 2&1 win for Josh Chapman (Tehidy Park) partnered by Bradley Varcoe (St Austell), and this was followed as the Cralyon Bay pairing of Sam Ward and Alec Nile beat their opponents by the odd hole. A 3&1 win for Louis Ratcliffe (Falmouth) and George Bray (Truro) handed Cornwall the halfway advantage. Losing out for the Duchy were the Truro pair of stand in Captain Jack Andrew and Josh Hodge who went down 4&2.
Needing 3.5 points from the 8 afternoon singles this was exactly what Cornwall achieved. The vital wins came from Varcoe (4&3), Ratcliffe (1 up) and back marker Bray (2 up). Massively important though was the half gained by Ward, which saw the Duchy over the line after a strong fightback from Dorset who had taken 4.5 points from the available 8.
The team should be very proud of this achievement and all in all it augurs well to have so many capable boys playing at this level. Well done to them all.
Picture (L to R: Louis Ratcliffe, Bradley Varcoe, Alec Nile, Sam ward, Josh Chapman, Jack Andrew, George Bray and Josh Hodge)
The result in Dorset looks likely to have guaranteed a runners up sot in this year's Ben Enoch Trophy although this has yet to be confirmed.
U14s Well Beaten in Dorset
Jack Roberts League Dorset v Cornwall 28th August 2018
Whilst the U16s team gained an excellent win away to Dorset - see above - it was not to be for the U14s who were heavily beaten 10.5 - 1.5 at the fabulously presented Ferndown Golf Club.
The morning foursomes went 3 -1 to the hosts with Archie Fox and Jack Kevern claiming the only Duchy point as they won by 2 holes. There were defeats for U14 Captain Will Price playing with Charlie Ward (3&2), for Jonty Jenkin & Hugo Watson (2 holes) and Will Sercombe and Harry Richards (3&1).
The only afternoon half for Cornwall came from Sercombe against Andy Su.
U14 Team Manager Matt Tucknott said 'Whilst we never want to make too much of handicap differences and all know that on a given day it can mean nothing, this was a match where it was always going to be difficult to expect our boys to over come those differences between the two sides. I don’t believe the boys played badly, quite the opposite, I think they actually played well despite what the scores show. The fact of the matter is that Dorset played better than us and clearly deserved the win."
Tucknott continued "The Dorset team took full advantage of their choice of location for the match and quickly their superior fire power had our boys struggling to keep up with their level of golf being played. Having said that the first match in the morning saw what could only be described as one of the best results of the year when Archie (Fox) and Jack (Kevern) managed to beat their opponents by a score of 2up, which when you look at the difference in handicaps was remarkable. When you look at just the score, some might say we didn’t really perform that well but behind that score hides a lot of good individual successes on a personal note, with several of our players playing a lot better than their handicaps.".
U14 & U16s Teams for Dorset Match Named
Ben Enoch Trophy & Jack Roberts League Dorset v Cornwall 28th August 2018
With a number of the usual U16 team involved in the English Boys County Finals next week Team manager Gary Andrew has named a much changed team for the final Ben Enoch Trophy match away to Dorset next week.
The match takes place at the prestigious Ferndown course which has a Cornish connection as former Cornwall County Mens team player Scott Godfrey iis Head Professional at the Dorset club.
The team is: Jack Andrew (Truro, Captain), Josh Hodge, George Bray (both Truro), Josh Chapman (Tehidy Park), Bradley Varcoe (St Austell), Alec Nile, Sam Ward (both Carlyon Bay) and Louis Ratcliffe (Falmouth).
Cornwall U16s have yet to win an actual match this season having lost to Devon and seen their match against Somerset conceded by the opposition.
At the same time a match in the Jack Roberts League between Dorset and Cornwall also takes place at the same venue.
U14s Team manager Matt Tucknott has named the U14 team as follows: Will Price (Perranporth, Captain), Archie Fox, Will Sercombe (both Falmouth), Charlie Ward (Launceston), Jack Kevern, Jonty Jenkin (both West Cornwall), Hugo Watson and Harry Richards (both Carlyon Bay).
The U14s sit at the bottom of their 5 county league and are seeking their first points.
St Mellion Juniors Do Cornwall Proud
England Golf Junior Champion Club Final, 16th/17th August 2018, Frilford Heath GC, Oxford
L to R: Jamie Palmer, Harry Taylor and Ryan Gregory
The three man junior team from St Mellion International (pictured above) did themselves and Cornwall proud last week in the finals of the England Golf Junior Champion Club event staged as part of England Golf Week at Frilford Heath GC, Oxford.
Having qualified as Cornwall's representatives back in May the team of Ryan Gregory, Jamie Palmer and Harry Taylor took on two days of stsableford competition against the winners of 27 other counties across England.
Day One was exceptional for the South East Cornwall juniors as both Gregory and Palmer returned 40 points as the counting scores to find themselves leading the event on 80.
Day Two was also a good one as both Gregory (38) and Palmer (35) again scored well. Having completed their round early in the day there then followed a long wait to see if their team score of 153 would be good enough to maintain their position.
There was disappointment to follow though as first of all the team from Horsehay Village GC (Shropshire & Herefordshire) posted a second day 83 points to add to their day one 76 and an overall total of 159. This was followed by Sunbury GC juniors who returned a total matching St Mellion’s with the Surrey club pushing the Cornish into third place by virtue of countback.
Nevertheless a great performance by the Cornish based team from St Mellion.
Somerset Outclass Duchy U14s
Jack Roberts League Cornwall v Somerset 14th August 2018 Trethorne GC
Jonty Jenkin powers a drive up the 17th on his way to Cornwall's only singles win
Despite holding a narrow advantage after the morning foursomes (2.5 - 1.5) the Cornwall U14s were well beaten by a stronger Somerset team at Trethorne yesterday, where the visitors emphasised their singles strength taking 7 of the 8 available points to register a well deserved 8.5 - 3.5 win.
Out first in the morning foursomes Archie Fox and Jack Kevern halved their match. Following them U14s Captain Will Price partnered Ryan Gregory to a 1 up win before Will Sercombe & Harry Richards went down 2&1. When Jonty Jenkin and Sam Hawkey delivered a 1 up win the Duchy held the afore mentioned advantage.
A penny for those thoughts Will
The 8 singles games though provided a very different scenario. First to be beaten was Price as he suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Dewi John. Stanley Richardson took care of Fox (2&1) and Gregory lost 3&2 to Ashton Wylie at much the same time as Kevern lost 2 down to Kyle Miller. A series of 4&3 defeats followed. (Sercombe to Jackson Carey, Richards to Theo Anderson Gannon and Hawkey to Jack Coward). Jonty Jenkin though gained his second point of the day as he won 2&1 against Dylan John.
The Cornwall U14s team pictured at Trethorne (L to R: Will Price, Will Sercombe, Jack Kevern, Ryan Gregory, Archie Fox, Harry Richards, Sam Hawkey and Jonty Jenkin)
U14s Team Manager Matt Tucknott said " Obviously we are disappointed especially after having the lead at lunch but we can take some positives from that. This afternoon though we looked outclassed and Somerset fully deserved their win. We do have a good team spirit and maybe that shows in the foursomes and we now need to work on strengthening our play at individual level. I have to say the Trethorne course was presented in good condition and I know both teams really appreciated that."
The U14s have one Jack Roberts fixture remaining - away to Dorset at Ferndown GC on 28th August 2018.
Devon U18s Inflict Crushing Defeat on Cornwall
Roy Greenaway Trophy Cornwall v Devon Friday 3rd August 2018 Launceston GC
The Devon U18 Boys team dealt a crushing blow to their Duchy counterparts at Launceston yesterday as they cruised to a 13.5 - 1.5 win.
The only morning foursomes win for Cornwall came from Ricardo Sanchez and Harry Macauley who won 4&3 whilst the only afternoomn crumb of comfort in the afternoon singles was a halved match for Lewis Woolaway.
Following last weeks excellent win over Somerset, Cornwall’s Under 18 team were fully aware that a win would give them another trophy in what has already been a very successful season, unfortunately this did not transpire as Devon’s superior handicap difference saw them flex their muscles and they went onto to a very convincing 13 ½ - 1 ½ victory.
Junior Captain Joe Reynard partnered Cameron Gurd in the first of the morning foursomes - they played solid golf and were one up after 16 holes, but a costly bogey bogey finish saw them lose one down and this unfortunately set the tone for the day.
The next three matches all went Devon’s way as well, George Law and Rhys Kerton went down 4&2, Liam Wilson and Ewan Warren lost 2 down and Thomas Stephens and Lewis Woolaway lost 4&2.
There was then one bit of positive news, Ricardo Sanchez’s late call up - due to a Jack Andrew injury - saw him partner Harry Macauley and they played superb golf to record an excellent 4&3 win.
At lunch the boys all ate together as a team, they have all got a tremendous fighting spirit and believed they could still turn this match around even though they were 4 – 1 down.
Joe Reynard once again found himself in a tight match, but holes 17 & 18 were cruel to him today as he lost both to go 2 down.
Cameron Gurd was up against tough opposition as he went down 4&2. George Law lost 6&5, Liam Wilson put up a great fight but just lost out on the 18th. The 18th was costly once again for Cornwall as Rhys Kerton lost one down. Thomas Stephens was in a tight match but lost 2&1, Ewan Warren lost 3&2, Ricardo Sanchez lost 3&2 and Harry Macauley went down 4&2.
The only glimmer of light in the afternoon was Lewis Woolaway, as he manged to make an excellent birdie on the 18th to claim a well earned half.
Team Manager Gary Andrew said” It was a very tough day at the office, we knew Devon were stronger than us on paper before the match, but we have been on such a winning streak that we believed we could do it, - unfortunately that was not to be the case, I would like to say every one of the lads went down fighting, there were no dropped heads, Devon on the day just outplayed us in most aspects of the game and were deserved winners.
I would like to thank Launceston Golf Club for their very kind hospitality and a course that was presented in superb condition.”
After the evening meal County Junior Captain Joe Reynard announced the team which will be travelling to the National Final at Rockcliffe Hall GC in a few weeks time. Full team: Captain Joe Reynard, George Leigh, Cameron Gurd, , George Law, , Liam Wilson, ,Ewan Warren, and Thomas Stephens. The non travelling reserve is Lewis Woolaway.
Devon are Next Up for U18s
Roy Greenaway Trophy Cornwall v Devon Friday 3rd August 2018 Launceston GC
U18 Team Manager Gary Andrew has named his team for the important Roy Greenaway Trophy match at home to Devon this coming Friday at Launceston GC. A win in the fixture would see the Duchy claim the trophy. Andrew keeps the same side which beat Somerset last week, bar one change, which sees Junior County Captain Joe Reynard return to the fold after being away at last week's England Golf Carris Trophy.
The full team is: Joe Reynard (Captain, Trevose), Hary Macauley (Bude & N Cornwall), Ewan Warren (St Austell), Cameron Gurd, George Law, Rhys Kerton, Lewis Woolaway (all Perranporth), Liam Wilson, Jack Andrew and Thomas Stephens (Truro).
U18s Team Have Winning Habit
Roy Greenaway Trophy Somerset v Cornwall Thursday 26th July 2018 Mendip Spring GC
Following the fantastic recent achievement of winning the SWCGA Championship at Perranporth, Cornwall’s Under 18 team - pictured above - kept their winning form going as they defeated host county Somerset with a superb 10 – 5 victory at the beautiful Mendip Spring Golf Club. (L to R: Thomas Stephens, Liam Wilson, Ewan Warren, George Law, Cameron Gurd, Morgan Craven, Jack Andrew, Harry Macauley, Rhys Kerton and Lewis Woolaway)
The team travelled up on Wednesday for the all important practice round, with the lads soon realising the hard conditions meant course management was a priority, with once again plenty of irons being played off the tee’s to keep the ball in play.
After the round it was time to chill and then eat dinner - it has been noted that this bunch of lads seem to have an acquired a taste for steaks, perhaps all that protein is the secret! This was then followed by a game of football (below) then an early night.
Match Day
08:00 and it was team breakfast, demolished by growing lads in no time, before warm up time and preparation for the morning foursomes. It was another very hot day, bags were loaded with water and plenty of sun cream applied.
With Junior Captain Joe Reynard and George Leigh unavailable (both playing in the Carris Trophy) it was time for Under 16 Captain Cameron Gurd to step up. He was paired with George Law and they played lovely golf to get Cornwall off to a fine 2&1 victory. Liam Wilson and Ewan Warren kept their season’s very good form going as they combined well to put another point on the board with a 2&1 win.
Rhys Kerton and Lewis Woolaway found themselves in a right old tussle, unfortunately Somerset crossed the finishing line first winning one up. Thomas Stephens and Moran Craven showed a lot of character as they were two down early doors, but they dug in to get a fine half.
There were two rookies in the team as Jack Andrew and Harry Macauley teamed up. The pair clearly gelled well as they played under par on the way to an excellent 3&2 win.
Cornwall therefore took a 3.5 - 1.5 lead into lunch ahead of the afternoon singles.
Cameron Gurd was first out, he was in a tight affair going up the 17th one up before his opponent slotted a nice 30 footer for birdie to draw level. The deadlock couldn’t be broken as two par’s meant a halved match for the pair.
There was then a little wobble for Cornwall as Somerset fought back, George Law and Liam Wilson found themselves up against inspired opponents, losing 3&1 and 6&5 respectively.
The two matches behind also looked in doubt as Rhys Kerton was all square after 15 and Ewan Warren further back was four down. There was then a transition in momentum as Rhys went on to win 2 up and Ewan made a remarkable come back to win 1up with a superb birdie on the 18th green.
Lewis Woolaway made sure he was going home with a point in the bag as he played superbly to record an excellent 5&4 win. With seven points in the bag, there was just one more required for a team win and it was Thomas Stephens who sealed the deal. With all his team mates watching on, he calmly rolled in a par in the 17th for a fine 2&1 win.
There were three more matches left out on the course, Morgan Craven went down 3&1, Harry Macauley and Jack Andrew rounded off their day in style as they won 2&1 and 3&2,. This gave Cornwall an excellent 10 – 5 winning margin which left the team below looking pretty hapy on the banks of one of Mendip's ponds!
Team Manager Gary Andrew said “ We appear to be building something very special here, even without two of our lowest handicap players due to other commitments, this team is on a roll. The lads are still buzzing after the recent SWCGA win and there is definitely a winning mentality amongst the squad. Next week we play Devon, this is always a tough ask, but it is quite simple, if we win, it will be another trophy, so I know the lads will be up for it.
I would like to thank Mendip Spring Golf Club for their very kind hospitality. We are always made to feel very welcome here. The lads made special mention on the greens which were superb, so thanks goes to the greens staff as well”
Next week's fixture v Devon takes place at Launceston GC on Friday 3rd August.
Under 18s Are Heading to County Finals After Winning SW Championship!
SWCGA Boys Championship Thursday 12th July 2018 Perranporth GC
Cornwall Under 18’s pulled off their biggest achievement in ten years as they lifted the prestigious South West Six Counties Shield at Perranporth Golf Club scoring 756, some 28 shots ahead of second placed Devon on 784. To cap the day off very nicely, George Leigh was crowned individual Champion shooting two excellent rounds of 73 and 72.
The preparations all started on Tuesday as Cornwall invited Dorset for a friendly match, it was decided that all eight stableford scores would count. It was a stunning day that was matched by very high quality golf and played in a tremendous spirit. After the last players handed their cards in, Dorset’s President did the honours and totalled the scores up. As it transpired Cornwall had started the week well just pipping Dorset by the slenderest of margins 231 – 232, a great result against tough opposition and one that gave the team some momentum which all hoped they would hang on to.
Wednesday saw the team have a practice round. They were given a team talk by Mike Reynard who drummed home the importance of course management and staying in play given the hard course conditions. It obviously worked as we saw lots of irons coming out of the bag and fairways being hit.
After the round it was back to the hotel where the lads were buzzing in anticipation the World Cup Semi Final – could England bring it home – sadly not.
Match day
A 06:30 start saw the team eat breakfast together, then the short journey to Perranporth, normally the noise from the back of the van is unbearable, not this morning, not a peep, their games faces were on.
Junior Captain Joe Reynard was 1st to tee off and simultaneously George Leigh tee’s off the 10th. They had both read the script as they went onto lay the foundations for Cornwall shooting an excellent 72 & 73 respectively. With five of six nominated players scores to count, it was George Law 77, Liam Wilson 78 and Cameron Gurd 79 that gave Cornwall a 379 total and were club house leaders over Devon by six shot’s.
After lunch the lads were back on the links, the wind was picking up making conditions even more testing, the pressure was on, could they see the job through? George Leigh certainly thought so as he posted another superb score with a level par 72. Joe Reynard couldn’t quite match his morning round, but a 77 was keeping Cornwall ahead of the field.
There was then a moment where we all started to believe this really could be our year, fifteen year old Cameron Gurd stepped up, in one of the best rounds of his life, he posted an amazing 72. The focus now turned to the remaining players on the course and it was Liam Wilson and Thomas Stephens that were to produce the goods, Liam’s consistently good form this year continued as he signed for a very good 78 and the final dagger for the other Counties came as Thomas Stephens rolled in a fine par on the last for a 78 that gave Cornwall a quite simply brilliant and well deserved victory.
Cornwall U18 Manager Gary Andrew said “This win has been brewing over the last year, we have been consistently getting closer to our rivals, just missing out in the recent U16 South West Champs by two shots hurt, most of that team were playing today and I feel that the lads wanted it more than ever, today they played superb golf and to win by such a big margin shows their incredible character and team spirit. We now have to concentrate on the National Final that lays ahead”
Andrew continued "We have used the Perranporth course a lot in our preparation for the event with a number of the winter Academy sessions staged there. getting to know the course has definitely worked in our favour and played a part in our success. We have to thank Perranporth, Sue McDevitt, the staff and members most sincerely for all the hospitality they have shown us across this time. They have been fantastic hosts and very generous to us and this is very much appreciated."
I also need to pay tribute to the three other boys who were part of the overall Cornwall team on the day - Morgan Craven, Rhys Kerton and Ewan Warren - whilst in the end they were not amojngst the nominated six they were all very much part of the team and all did their bit towards the greta spirt I have been talking about."
The Boys County Finals take place at Rockcliffe Hall GC, Darlington from 28th-30th August and Cornwall will face Kent, Lincolnshire and Yorkshire over three days of matchplay golf.
Pictures to follow ....
U14s and U12s Have a Great Day Out!
U12 v U14 Match Sunday 1st July 2018 Trevose G&CC
And don't they all look smart in their Cornish black and gold!
The Cornwall Under 14’s played out a great match against the younger Cornwall Under 12’s yesterday.
This annual encounter for the “Tuc-Son Cup” at the fabulous Trevose Golf & Country Club and as expected there was a great display of competitive fun amongst the County’s finest junior golfers. The eventual winners this year were the under 14’s team who managed to narrowly beat their younger counterparts who showed great potential and some very good individual performances.
Matt Tucknott PGA manager of the under 14’s team said, “I’m so pleased for the boys, they truly deserve this win as they have been working so hard this year with their performances, which up till this point haven’t quite worked out the way we wanted. Today’s result will give them all a huge boost for our remaining fixtures this Summer. With the issues we had with some of our regular players not being available to play, the juniors who did step up to the mark did extremely well. It shows we have now got a bit more depth to our squads and potential teams going forward”.
Below: A stream of yellow heads back up towards the clubhouse at Trevose
U12s Manager Dave Watson was also pleased with the day - "What a wonderful day that was. Exceptional golf from both sides and a great team spirit shown by both teams. A number of new faces joined the U12 squad today, and they performed superbly. It was a very competitive performance, and both sets of boys should be very proud! I certainly am.
And it looks like this was a good bit of the day too!
U14s Lose at Home to Wiltshire
Jack Roberts League Cornwall v Wiltshire Sunday 10th June, Trethorne GC
Cornwall U14s lost their second 2018 Jack Roberts League fixture against Wiltshire at Trethorne GC on Sunday 10th June. Having the lead 3-1 at the halfway point, the singles did not go well for the Duchy Juniors as they lost 6 of the 8 matches and went down to an overall 7-5 defeat. The Cornish team are pictured above with Matt Tucknott (right) and John Barnes. L to R: Will Sercombe, Archie Fox, Jack Kevern, Jonty Jenkin, Will Price, Charlie Ward, Hugo Watson, Ryan Gregory.
Morning foursomes wins came from U14 Captain Will Price with Charlie Ward, Archie Fox with Jack Kevern and Hugo Watson with debutant Ryan Gregory. The two singles winners for Cornwall were Fox and Will Sercombe. It was an impressive win from Price and Ward as their combined handicaps of 22 beat their opposition whose handicaps were 3 and 4 respectively. The ability of those two Wiltshire juniors was though demonstrated in the singles where both won comfortably.
Matt Tucknott with Ryan Gregory as he receives his County Tie from U14 Captain Will Price (right)
U14s Manager Matt Tucknott said “Yes it was disappointing after getting ahead in the morning foursomes with some truly great results notably the first match, but the afternoon results simply fell short. The boys had a good time and the match was played in a great atmosphere and although the result didn’t go our way there were a huge number of positives and I look forward to our next match where we can build on this result”.
He continued “I do want to take this opportunity to thank the juniors who represented the County in such good spirits and showed fantastic gamesmanship whilst out on the course and in the clubhouse. I need to thank the parents who organised the logistics, my assistant John Barnes and finally the host club for facilitating the opportunity and presenting their course in a very good state”.
U14s to Face Wiltshire at Trethorne
Ryan Gregory & Will Sercombe
Cornwall U14s take on Wiltshire in their second Jack Roberts League match of the season at Trethorne GC on Sunday 10th August. Having lost to Devon in their opening match the Duchy team will be looking to bounce back and take full advantage of the home fixture.
Team Manager Matt Tucknott has selected his team for the match and gives a debut to Ryan Gregory (St Mellion). Recent U14 County Champion Will Sercombe plays as does runner up Jack Kevern. In form Charlie Ward who won the U14 Nett trophy at last week’s SWCGA Championship in Dorset is another mainstay of the team.
On Sunday the teams will play 9 holes of foursomes before 18 hole singles. The action gets underway at Trethorne from 9.45am.
The full team is: Will Price (Perranporth, Captain), Archie Fox, Will Sercombe (Falmouth), Charlie Ward (Launceston), Jack Kevern, Jonty Jenkin (West Cornwall), Hugo Watson (Carlyon Bay), and Ryan Gregory.
Tucknott said “I’m pleased to be able to select Ryan Gregory for his county debut. His selection is based on an improving handicap and good performances over the past couple of months in various competitions across Cornwall. I’m sure he will be a great asset to our squad of juniors going forward.”
Tucknott continued “ I was very happy with our efforts at Knighton Heath last week and as a team we were so close to winning, finishing second just two shots off the winning total. So a big well done to Will (Price), Archie (Fox) and Charlie who represented us at the South West Championship. Charlie managed to secure his first South West Counties trophy with a great score of 67 which was 3 under his handicap. It was a great pleasure to spend the last few days with the guys and made even better by the performances they all managed to put in. Great result boys, onwards and upwards we go!”
Superb Effort as Cornwall Come Up Just Short
SWCGA U16 U14 Championship, Friday 1st June 2018, Knighton Heath GC
The very smart U16 and U14 Cornwall Team
Cornwall’s Under 16/14 boys team made a superb effort on Friday when they were in action in the most prestigious event of the year and were so close to lifting the SWCGA Trophy. Ultimately, the Duchy boys were pipped by the slenderest of margins by neighbours Devon - a mere two shots over the seven qualifying scores 525 to Cornwall’s 523.
Following the previous couple years fourth and last years third place, it was once again decided to travel up the day before for the very beneficial practice round. Afterwards, the team had time to bond and then made a dent in the Junior budget by indulging in some very tasty Rib Eye steaks.
Boom! - George Leigh watches an excellent tee shot
On match day, it was George Leigh (Trevose) to tee off first in the Championships and he set the tone of the day with a tremendous 310 yard drive straight down the middle. He continued his consistent good form to record a superb level par 70 and in doing so, laid the foundations for his team mates.
Cornwall Under 16 Captain Cameron Gurd (Perranporth) was next up. Normally one of the Duchy’s most consistent scorers, it just didnt happen as he would have planned and he posted an eight over 78.
George Law (Perranporth)was going along very nicely but the par three 18th cost him dearly as he put one out of bounds and ended up with a triple bogey to record a seven over par 77.
Standing at fifteen over with the top three in, Cornwall were lagging behind their competitors, but there was then a change in momentum as the next three Under 16’s rolled up their sleeves and staged a come back. Ewan Warren (St Austell) , Liam Wilson and Thomas Stephens (both Truro) all played superb golf to each record four over par 74’s to get Cornwall right back in the action. At this stage Cornwall were actually two shots ahead of the eventual winners but there was still a Under 14 score that had to be counted.
Charlie Ward holes out at 18
Will Price (Perranporth) was the first Under 14 out and he recorded a very respectable twelve over 82, Archie Fox (Falmouth) couldn’t quite find his A game as he posted a 86, so it was down to Launceston’s Charlie Ward. Standing on the eighteenth tee eight over, Charlie must have known his score was important as a very large crowd congregated around the green awaiting his shot, he didn’t disappoint has he found the heart of the green and followed that up with a two putt to record a very impressive 78.
It was now a tense wait to find out if Cornwall had done enough to win the trophy, this was not helped by the fact that the official computer had technical problems, so there were lots of managers seen counting on fingers trying to work their teams score see who had actually won.
Unfortunately for Cornwall, Devon’s Under 14, posted an excellent 74, meaning our old rivals had just pipped us by two shot’s.
George Leigh with SWCGA President David Walker
There was individual success for Cornwall however, George Leigh was presented with a prize for 2nd best gross as he lost out on the back nine to Devon’s James Reed. Thomas Stephens came second in the best Under 16 nett round and Charlie Ward wrapped up a fine day by winning the best Under 14 nett to lift that trophy.
Charlie Ward receives the U14 Nett Trophy
In the presentation of prizes, the SWCGA President David Walker made a special mention about the Cornwall team, who were all looking immaculate in their suits and ties.
'Tommy' Stephens cuts a dash at Kinighton Heath before rushing back for 36 holes at Truro (Saturday) and 36 holes caddying at West Cornwall for the County Mens Team (Sunday)
Cornwall were also presented with the 2017 season Ben Enochy Trophy for their achievement in clinching that league last year.
Cornwall Under 16 Manager Gary Andrew said “I am so proud of these lads, we have been progressively getting closer and closer to this trophy over the last few years, but today we were really in the hunt as we led after the under 16 scores had been posted> It was only for a superb Devon U14 score that we didnt win. Once again a tremendous team spirit with both players and parents and to get a special mention on our appearance by the South West President just made my day. I would like to thank all the SWCGA officials and Knighton Heath Golf Club for making us so welcome”
St Mellion Claim Junior Champion Club Qualifying Spot
England Golf Junior Champion Club Qualifier, Tuesday 29th May 2018, Lanhydrock GC
St Mellion's three man junior team were the toast at Lanhydrock Hotel & GC yesterday as they came through qualifying for the England Golf Junior Champion Club and earned the right to represent their club and Cornwall at the national finals at Frilford Heath in August.
On a day where the CGU restaged the previously cancelled event alongside Lanhydrock's own Junior Open, the trio of Ryan Gregory, Harry Taylor and Jamie Palmer combined for a stableford total of 104 points and top spot, amongst the 10 competing clubs, by just 2 points from runners up Tehidy Park (102) and third placed Truro also on 102.
Gregory and Taylor both scored 39 points and the 26 contribuetd by Palmer was enough to edge them into the winner's spot.
For Tehidy Park there was consistent scoring across the board as Declan Allan returned 35, Ben Lamb 34 and Josh Chapman 33.
Ryan Gregory and Harry Taylor are pictured above with CGU Juniors President Alan Lund.
Sercombe and Richards win U14s and U12s Champs
CGU U14 and U12 County Championships Sunday 27th May 2018 Truro GC
Truro GC were the perfect hosts yesterday for the CGU U14s and U12s County Championship. On a day where thunderstorms threatened but never materialised, a total of 40 juniors took part and this included girls from the Cornwall Ladies County Golf Association who were competing for their own U15 Championship as well as the Futures Cup.
U14 County Champion Will Sercombe pictured with Truro GC Captain Scott Mayne & CGU Juniors President Alan Lund
Will Sercombe (Falmouth) claimed the title of CGU County U14 Champion after scoring a gross 80 at Truro GC. The County U14 team member scored 9 pars in his round, 6 of which came on his back nine of 39. Wills’s final total was just the one shot better than runner up and fellow county team member Jack Kevern (West Cornwall) on 81. Third place went to Will Price (Perranporth) with a gross 82.
With both the CLCGA and the CGU adopting the one prize only rule the awards went across the board.
The U14 nett winner was Truro’s Johnny Ivall with a nett 64, with his clubmate Sam Rogers runner up just one shot further back on 65.
U12 County Champion Harry Richards pictured with Truro GC Captain Scott Mayne & CGU Juniors President Alan Lund
Harry Richards (Carlyon Bay) became CGU County U12s Champion with a gross 83 which also included 6 pars and nothing worse than a 6 at any point. Runner up to Richards was Jack Welch of Whitsand Bay with a gross 87. The U12s nett winner was Harry Taylor (St Mellion) with an excellent nett 63 followed by Harry Drewitt (Falmouth) with a nett 71.
Also staged at Truro yesterday was an 18 hole stableford competition for the 29 -54 handicap range. The winner of this was Newquay’s Heath Coombes who returned 38 points off his 36 handicap. Runner up spot went to Luke Haldenby-Hill (Tehidy Park) on 34 points.
The CLCGA U15 Championship was won by Maisie Drewitt (Falmouth) with a gross 84 whilst Maddie Watson (Carlyon Bay) romped home in the nett competition with a total of 61. Further details of the girls prizes will be found on the CLCGA website.
Truro GC Captain Scott Mayne welcomed all the juniors their parents and the CGU to the club saying how pleased they were to be able to host the competition and to see so many happy smiling faces around the course. He had admired many of the junior swings on show and suggested he could actually come to some of them for advice. CGU Juniors President Alan Lund thanked Truro for hosting and complimented the club on the condition of the course. He said he was very much looking forward to 12 months time when the club will be hosting the SWCGA U14 and U16 Championships saying he felt it would a great venue for the event. Lund and Mayne presented the prizes.
Other Pictures to follow ......
U16s and U14s Lose to Devon at Holsworthy
Ben Enoch Trophy Devon v Cornwall Sunday 20th May 2018 Holsworthy GC
L to R: Thomas Stephens, Liam Wilson, Josh Hodge, Morgan Craven, Jack Andrew, Cameron Gurd, George Law and Ewan Warren
U16 Captain, Cameron Gurd and his team were treated to a stunning sunny day on a beautifully presented Holsworthy Golf Course. As reigning holders of the Ben Enoch Trophy, we were hoping for a fast start to this years campaign, but it was not to be as Devon put on a fine display and came out 7 ½ - 4 ½ victors.
In the morning foursomes, Cameron was paired with George Law, in a fascinating match littered with birdies it was Devon that just piped the Cornish duo on the 18th to lose 1 down. The second match out didnt look good with 3 holes to go as Liam Wilson and Ewan Warren were 2 down, however they showed a fighting spirit with some clutch putts to level the proceedings on 18 for a well earned halve. Thomas Stephens and Morgan Craven were third out and they found themselves out against inspired opponents and went down 5&4. Jack Andrew and Josh Hodge found themselves 2 down early on, but they left their drivers in the bag and plotted their way home to an impressive 2&1 win to give the Duchy youngsters a welcome point.
After lunch saw the start of the singles, once again Cameron Gurd found himself in a terrific battle, up against Matt Millar the standard of golf was very high as two par three’s were halved in birdies. Unfortunately it was not Cameron’s day as Matt closed him out 3&2. George Law impressed again as he went up early on and always looked in control as he won 3&1. Liam Wilson was in a close encounter, he was 1 down going up 18, a pulled tee shot cost him dearly as he lost 2 down. The 18th hole once again proved costly for Cornwall as Ewan Warren was all square, but a ball in the water hazard gave Devon the advantage to win the hole. Thomas Stephens had a fine result, all square after 13, a birdie, birdie, par finish saw him put a point on the scoresheet winning 3&2. Morgan Craven seemed out of sorts as he went down 5&4. Josh Hodge was dormy 4 down, but a terrific come back saw him go up the 18th, with Josh safely in for a par, Devon’s nerve held on a four footer to win 1up. Jack Andrew put another point on the scoresheet as he wrapped up a fine days golf winning 4&3.
Team Manager Gary Andrew commented “ Of course it was a shame we didnt win, but once again the team spirit is there for all to see, they are a great bunch of lads. The 18th hole was costly for us today, if things went our way it could have been so different, but fair play to Devon, they played very well and the match was played in great spirit. Thanks to Holsworthy Golf Club for their excellent hospitality and a carvery that went down very well”
In the U14 encounter which took place at the same time Devon were again victors by the same 7.5 - 4.5 scoreline as their older counterparts. The team are pictured above (L to R: Sam Hawkey, Hugo Watson, Archie Fox, Will Price (Captain), Jack Kevern, Will Sercombe and Jonty Jenkin. In the back row next to Matt Tucknott is Charlie Ward. Elsewhere the boys can be seen enjoying lunch whilst Matt indulges in a 'selfie' with Assistant John Barnes.
U14 Manager Matt Tucknott said "It was a great weekend away with the U14’s team playing their first match of the season. It might not have been the result we wanted (7.5-4.5) but I can say how proud I am of our team spirit, gamesmanship, work ethic and for being by far the smartest team there. I have to express special thanks to all the parents who gave up their weekends to enable the juniors the chance to shine, the juniors for their commitment and finally my number 2, John Barnes who was a great support to all concerned. Bigger & better results to come in the near future, well done boys."
U16 Team Named for Match v Devon
Ben Enoch Trophy Devon v Cornwall Sunday 20th May 2018 Holsworthy GC
U16 Team Manager Gary Andrew has named the 8 juniors who will open the 2018 Ben Enoch Trophy season for the Duchy as they travel to Holsworthy to face Devon on SUnday 20th May 2018.
Joining the recently named season Captain Cameron Gurd (Perranporth) are two of his clubmates George Law and Morgan Craven along with Liam Wilson, Thomas Stephens, Josh Hodge, Jack Andrew (all Truro) and Ewan Warren (St Austell)
Gary Andrew in announcing his side said "After an excellent season last year, I am hoping that we can keep the terrific team spirit going and I am sure new Captain Cameron Gurd will be a major part in that. I feel that this is a strong team named, but we do have others knocking at the door for places. Hopefully we can put up a great defence of the Ben Enoch Trophy and keep it in the Duchy for another year”.
Tucknott Names His First Cornwall U14 Team
Jack Roberts League Devon v Cornwall Sunday 20th May 2018 Holsworthy GC
Cornwall U14 Team Manager and PGA Professional Matt Tucknott has named the Duchy U14 team to face Devon in the first of the Jack Roberts League fixtures for the season. The match takes place at Holsworthy GC on Sunday 20th May 2018 and will see the 8 man U14s play 9 holes of foursomes followed by 18 hole singles.
The team selected is: Will Price (Perranporth, Captain), Archie Fox (Falmouth), Charlie Ward (Launceston), Hugo Watson (Carlyon Bay), Jack Kevern and Jonty Jenkin (West Cornwall), Will Sercombe (Falmouth) and Sam Hawkey (Truro).
Tucknott said "I would like to congratulate all the juniors who have been named to play in the first match.. After much deliberation and studying performances both on and off the course over the Winter months I have managed to get down to 8.! Tucknott says competition for spots is high this year but as he admits “its a nice problem to have. There are so many juniors who potentially could have been and will in the future get selected to represent the county in all matches this year”.
South West Four Counties Championship Report
A report on the championship can be found on the main News page by clicking here
South West Four Counties Championship Team
Cornwall U18 Team Manager Gary Andrew has named the Cornwall 8 man junior team who will take part in the upcoming South West Four Counties Championship at West Cornwall GC from 10th-12th April 2018.
Practice on day one is followed by the Stroke Play on the morning of the 11th which sees both individual and team prizes. In the team element the winners will be decided by the aggregate of the best 6 scores from the team of 8.
The afternoon of the 11th April will see the first of 3 round robin matches with the other counties participating - Devon, Dorset and Somerset. The round robin series is completed on the 12th April with the Match Play Shield up for grabs.
The Cornwall team is: Joe Reynard (Captain, Trevose), Finn Rule (West Cornwall), George Law, Cameron Gurd, Lewis Woolaway (all Perranporth), Liam Wilson, Ricardo Sanchez (both Truro) and Lewis Bradley (St Enodoc).
This annual event was last staged in Cornwall in 2014 at West Cornwall when the Duchy team claimed the Stroke Play Shield and former West Cornwall junior Harry Hall was the individual winner after a playoff which lasted for 9 holes before he overcame Somerset's Tom Sloman.
U18 Boys in Mother's Day Win Over Ladies
Sunday 11th March 2018 St Enodoc GC
Cornwall U18 Boys yesterday played a friendly encounter with the Cornwall Ladies County Team at St Enodoc yesterday and came out on top in a match played in great spirit. The Boys beat the Ladies 3.5 - 1.5.
The weather forecast had been "sunshine and showers" and whilst that was accurate what it did not indicate was the severity of some of the showers and an almost total lack of sunshine. Added to this a stiff easterly breeze made conditions tricky for the 5 pairs from each team as they battled each other in Foursomes Match Play.
On the whole tee to green most groups were level, but it was the boys putting which proved the main strength of their team, and with greater accuracy overall on approach shots from the 110 yard mark the boys gained the advantage.
The CLCGA team are pictures above (L to R: Caroline Hume Kendall, Laura Andrew, Jan Harrison,Emily Wilson,Sue Roworth, Suzanne Courtenay, Wendy Briggs, Cath Hopkins, Megan Giles, Penny Cartwright, Victoria Pawley.
Results
In the top match Megan Giles (St Mellion) & Wendy Briggs (Launceston) lost 6&4 to George Law & Cameron Gurd (both Perranporth)
In game two Victoria Pawley (Trevose) & Emily Wilson (Truro) lost 4&2 to Ewan Warren (St Austell) & Liam Wilson (Truro).
Game Three saw Laura Andrew (Truro) & Jan Harrison (Launceston) lose 3&2 to Lewis Bradley (St Enodoc) & Lewis Woolaway (Perranporth)
In Game Four Cath Hopkins & Suzanne Courtenay (both Launceston) halved with Ricardo Sanchez & Thomas Stephens (both Truro);
And in the final game the Ladies had the upper hand as Penny Cartwright & Caroline Hume Kendall (both St Enodoc) won 5&4 against Bradley Varcoe (St Austell) & George Bray (Truro)
At the post match meal hearty thanks were expressed to St Enodoc for hosting the match, their welcoming staff and to the caterers for the fine fayre they presented to all concerned.
CLCGA Captain Sue Roworth said “Thanks to Gary Andrew for fielding a great team, who were excellent ambassadors.” She added her team had all commented on the boys demeanour and that there had been a great feeling of mutual respect. Roworth wished the Boys good luck for the season ahead.
U18 Boys Manager Gary Andrew was a happy man and not just with the result. “This sort of team spirit, attitude, presentation and respect for the opposition is what our present Cornwall team is all about, which is probably why we are recording so many victories. This was a good win for us against top opposition,. Now we need to keep up the great work”
[Images courtesy of Sue Roworth, CLCGA and Gary Andrew]
Juniors Pipped by Neighbours Devon
Wednesday 14th February 2018 Perranporth GC
On Wednesday this week the Cornwall County U18s took on Devon at Perranporth GC in their annual pre-season friendly match. The match against neighbours and old rivals Devon was in some doubt due to the adverse weather forecast but as it happened the stunning North Coast links escaped the brunt and the match went ahead as planned.
Devon fielded a very strong team of twelve with a combined handicap of 29 to Cornwall’s combined 62, highlighting the gulf between the two county teams. Nevertheless some admirable performances by some of the Duchy’s young guns made it a thrilling encounter.
Cornwall’s top performer was 14 year old Cameron Gurd (Truro). He got off to a rocky start dropping three shots on holes five and six, but he showed tremendous character in shooting a three under gross back nine to record 34 scratch points.
George Law (Perranporth) continues to impress and playing on his home course, he helped the Duchy’s team score with three birdies to record an excellent three over par 33 points. Another junior who wisely used his local knowledge was Lewis Woolaway (putting above) as he looked in total control of his game on his way to firing 33 points.
Another 14 year old also got in on the action. Truro’s Liam Wilson (above) once again impressed at County level as he slotted in four birdies on his way to 31 points. Junior County Captain Joe Reynard (Trevose) was next best Cornwall scorer with 30 points. (Reynard is pictured top as the match got underway)
As the cards started to roll in it looked like the match could go either way, but the strength of Devon showed at the tail end and they came out overall victors by a slender 8 point margin (298 - 290). For Devon there were two exceptional scorers in Harrison King and Craig Passmore who returned 36 and 34 respectively. With Matt Miller (33), Scott Parker (31) and Peter Howell (30) Devon showed a greater strength in depth and ran out the victors.
Cornwall U18s pictured below (L to R): Freedie Norris, Lewis Bradley, Zac Cook, Morgan Craven. Cameron Gurd. Joe Reynard, Ewan Warren, Ricardo Sanchez, Thomas Stephens, George Law, Lewis Woolaway and Liam Wilson)
Team Manager Gary Andrew said “There were a lot of positives out there today, I didn’t have a full strength team, but the younger ones that were called upon really impressed and this bodes well for the future. I think we had Devon worried out there, but they were just too strong in the end. I would like to thank Perranporth GC for their very kind hospitality this week and the excellent condition the links were in.”
Juniors to Face Devon
Wednesday 14th January 2018 Perranporth GC
Cornwall's U18 team to face Devon tomorow at Perramporth GC has been named by Manager Gary Andrew. In quick succession to yesterday's win at the same venue over the Seniors, the boys will take on neighbours Devon in what is another annual friendly fixture. Both sides will field 12 juniors with the 10 best stableford scores counting towards a team aggregate total. County Junior Captain Joe Reynard will lead a Cornwall team containing 5 Perranporth based players and showing just the one change from Monday as Lewis Bradley returns.
The Cornwall team is : Joe Reynard (Trevose, Captain), George Law (Perranporth), Cameron Gurd (Truro), Freddie Norris (Mullion), Ewan Warren (St Austell), Lewis Woolaway (Perranporth), Lewis Bradley (St Enodoc), Liam Wilson (Truro), Ricardo Sanchez (Truro), Will Trew, Morgan Craven and Zac Cook (all Perranporth). The named reserve is Thomas Stephens (Truro).
Juniors See Off Their Elders
The Cornwall Boys U18s - pictured above - and the Cornwall Seniors opened their season yesterday in what has become an annual encounter. The sun made a welcome appearance, but that only just took the edge off the bitterly cold north westerly wind on the beautifully presented Perranporth links. The Junior boys started where they left off last year with a great team spirit fostered by Junior County Captain Joe Reynard (Trevose) who ensured pre match bonding on the putting green.
In Team Manager Gary Andrew's first match in charge of the U18s, the first game saw a welcome return to County golf for Finn Rule (West Cornwall), who was paired up with Reynard (Trevose), against Senior ‘s Captain Simon Harper and Vice Captain Andy Rowe, the young pairing fired six birdies and an eagle to record a comfortable 5&3 win.
Perranporth’s George Law and Truro’s Cameron Gurd were next up against Charlie Phillips (Newquay) and Colin Kitt (China Fleet), and in another high quality match the U18’s closed the game out 4&3.
The Seniors stopped the rot in the next match as Colin Ross (Falmouth) and Trevor Ashton (Trevose) had a fine 7&5 win against Rhys Kerton (Perranporth) and Freddie Norris (Mullion).
Lewis Woolaway & Will Trew (both Perranporth) found themselves in a right old battle against Gary Stone (Bude & N Cornwall) and Neil Hodding (West Cornwall), and in what was a nip and tuck affair Lewis and Will saw the match out one up.
Mike Wigley (Trevose)and David Goodman (Bowood Park)once again got the Seniors back into the match with a fine 4&2 win over Ollie Watson (Carlyon Bay) and Ricardo Sanchez (Truro).
Two last minute ‘stand-ins’ for the Seniors, Tristan Gurd (Perranporth)and Neil Bradley (St Enodoc), showed some class as they got the overall match back to level with an excellent 6&5 win over Zac Cook (Perranporth) and Thomas Stephens (Truro).
With just two matches left on the course and the overall score standing at 3-3, there was all to play for. Truro’s Jack Andrew and St Austell’s Ewan Warren combined well to record a solid 4&2 win over Duncan Powell (Carlyon Bay) and Ross Durkin (Mullion).
The U18’s just needed half a point to secure victory and all seemed to be in the bag as Liam Wilson (Truro) and Morgan Craven (Perranporth) were four up after ten, but Paul Clahane (Trevose) and John Harris (Looe) had other ideas as their experience showed and they clawed the youngsters back to one after 16. The Senior pairing had a chance to win the 17th, but the four foot putt didn’t drop, so Liam and Morgan had to hold their nerve going down the last. On 18 both pairs made solid pars and hence the juniors sealed the game one up, giving the U18’s an overall 5-3 victory in what was a very exciting match.
After a quick change into their suits, the players then tucked into a very welcome and deserved hot carvery. In the speeches, Senior Captain Simon Harper congratulated the Under 18’s on their performance and Junior Captain Joe Reynard thanked Perranporth Golf Club for their very kind hospitality. Perranporth will see a lot of county activity across the coming season in the build up to the SWCGA Boys Championship which is being staged there in July. Prior to that the Junior County Championship will take place over the James Braid designed links in the middle of June and tomorrow Cornwall face Devon over the links.
Andrew was pleased with the performance of his team, "The boys applied themselves today and it was a good test. The team spirit and desire is what I was looking for and I am pleased to say it was evident and that can only be good for what lies ahead this year. The match with the Seniors is a good test and also played in such great spirit. So thank you to them and also to Perranporth GC for their welcome and hospitality, We look forward to being here across the year and to getting to know and to play the course as well as we can".
Full result here
Picture: Back row (L to R):Zac Cook, George Law, Will Trew, Lewis Woolaway, Cameron Gurd, Liam Wilson, Ewan Warren, Thomas Stephens. Front row: Freddie Norris, Finn Rule, Ricardo Sanchez, Joe Reynard, Ollie Watson, Jack Andrew, Morgan Craven, Rhys Kerton.
Junior Captains 2018
As previously reported in November the 2018 CGU Junior County Captain is Joe Reynard (Trevose, above). Joe took over the role at the Junior AGM in November 2017 and today his Junior team take on the County Seniors at Perranporth GC in a season opening friendly encounter. U18 Team Manager Gary Andrew is delighted to have Joe as Captain saying, "Joe proved last year what a good leader of the team he was. He was able to motivate and encourage the other juniors throughout. He is well respected by them all and I am sure he will carry on where he left off last season."
At team level the U14 Captain for the year will be Perranporth's Will Price - above with CGU Juniors President Alan Lund - who has performed consistently well at junior level and who promises to develop into an even stronger player as time progresses. Price was the winner of the CGU Junior Order of Merit (Handicap) last season.
Meanwhile at U12 level Harry Richards (avove) from Carlyon Bay Golf Club has been appointed as the U12 Captain for 2018. Following the excellent example set by last years captain Archie Fox (Falmouth), Harry will be leading his squad through a number of friendly matches, culminating with the 4 Counties U12 Championship that is being held in Somerset in September.
So Good luck to Joe, Will and Harry. I am sure the Duchy wishes you all a successful and enjoyable year.
Truro Again As They Claim Maxam Honours
Wednesday 25th October 2017 Perranporth GC
On an almost entirely still sunny and warm day at Perranporth GC yesterday it was Truro’s Juniors (pictured above) who yet again celebrated victory as they sealed a great week by taking the main honours on Junior Maxam Cup day. Having claimed wins in both the George Bolitho and Kernow Cup finals just two days earlier at Newquay their team deservedly earned the bragging rights as the county’s top junior club this year proving beyond measure they can play the links courses as well as their own parkland.
With a total of 8 clubs competing in teams of 6 the foursomes medal format - always a difficult one to predict the outcome of - provided a stiff challenge despite the benign conditions. Out first on the day in company with host club Perranporth the lead pair from each club returned the two best scores of the day.
County Ladies Team member Danielle Price and George Law (above with Alan Lund) returned a gross 74 to be lowest gross pair winners and playing with them brother and sister Liam and Emily Wilson (below) shot a gross 75 to claim best nett pairing.
These two scores set the tone for a battle between the two clubs for top honours. With each clubs two best scores to count it would be down to their team mates to determine the outcome. For Perranporth Morgan Craven and Will Trew were going along really well at 2 under through 6 holes. A double bogey at the 7th derailed them and they fell away to return a gross 84 to be Perran’s 2nd best score. For Perranporth Zack Cook and Will Price recorded an 87. Truro’s second best, however, was an 80 from Olivia Trewhela and Thomas Stephens and this was enough to see Truro (on a team total of 155) pip the hosts by 3 shots (158). Truro third pairing Laura Andrew and Ricardo Sanchez signed for an 83. The Perranporth Team are pictured below.
In the nett element to the event West Cornwall’s team score of 151 was just enough to see off the challenge of Falmouth on 153.5. For West Cornwall the two counting scores were a nett 77.5 from County Junior Captain Bradley Barnes playing with U12 team member Jack Kevern and the mixed duo of Kira Barnes and Jonty Jenkin with a nett 73.5. For Falmouth (picured below) James Dempsey and Tom Parry registered a nett 72.5, whilst their other counting score was returned by William Sercombe and Isaac D’Bue with a nett 81.
The West Cornwall team (below)
Perranporth GC Captain Paul Jenks welcomed all those present to the club and referred to how unusually good the weather had been for those taking part and spectating. He appreciated that for some this had been a first visit to the course and he urged those experiencing the links for the first time - and perhaps suffering on it - to revisit again and again.
County Juniors President Alan Lund and Jenks presented the prizes. Special mention was made of a number of the juniors for whom this was their last junior event before heading into adulthood. He wished Emily Wilson, Olivia Trewhela, Eldon Douglas, Tom Matthews, Connor Davidson and Bradley Barnes the very best for their futures and said all had been a credit to their clubs and the county. He sincerely hoped they would continue to play and be involved with the game. Lund also referred to how good it was to see St Enodoc GC‘s juniors represented and complimented them on their post golf appearance (see below) In closing he made mention of the Development Academy’s plans for 2018.
Maxam Cup Team Results
Maxam Cup Individual Results
Slideshow below captures some images from the day!
Truro Retain Bolitho & Kernow Titles
Monday 23rd October 2017 Newquay GC
The Truro Golf Club Juniors pulled off two wins on Finals Day yesterday as they retained both the George Bolitho Shield and the Kernow Cup they had won 12 months earlier.
Newquay GC welcomed a total of 60 juniors on a misty slightly damp day but it was Truro who were deterred by this the least as to their obvious delight they claimed a dual success. In both competitions 4 clubs had reached the finals and, whilst the weather and the potential for fading light played a part, proceeded to play semi finals, finals and 3rd & 4th place playoffs.
Truro's winning George Bolitho team are pictured above (L to R: Laura Andrew, Emily Wilson, Liam Wilson, Jack Andrew, Olivia Trewhela (Captain), Josh Hodge, Cameron Gurd and Thomas Stephens).
In the George Bolitho competition Truro, Perranporth, West Cornwall and St Austell had qualified for Finals Day whilst the Kernow Cup quartet comprised St Mellion, Truro, St Austell and West Cornwall.
A strong George Bolitho team from Truro were drawn and took on a resurgent Perranporth side in the first of the semis whilst in the other encounter West Cornwall faced St Austell. Truro were pushed all the way by Perranporth but got off to the best start as 7th man Josh Hodge claimed the invaluable 3/4 point in the opening game as he ran out a 4&2 winner over Rhys Evans. This was followed up by wins from Cameron Gurd (4&2 v George Law), Laura Andrew (2&1 v Morgan Craven) and Thomas Stephens (8&7 v Will Price). Consolation for Perranporth came in the form of Danielle Price's win over Emily Wilson (4&2), Will Trew (3&2 v Olivia Trewhela) and Zack Cook (1 up on Liam Wilson). The final result Truro 3.75 - 3 Perranporth.
In the other semi 3 wins and two halved matches saw St Austell over the line against West Cornwall. The St Austell wins came from Bradley Varcoe (3&2 over Casey Olds), Marcus Wilkins (6&5 over Hannah Body) and Eldon Douglas (1 up on Katie Jenkin). Ewan Warren and Maddie Watson gained the halves against Bradley Barnes and Sam Foster respectively, whilst for West Cornwall the wins were by Finn Rule (6&5 over Lewis Dorman) and Kira Barnes (3&2 over Ollie Watson). The final result St Austell 4 - 2.75 West Cornwall.
The final between St Austell and Truro was dominated by the latter. Hodge again claimed the 3/4 point at the head of proceedings (5&3 over Dorman)and when all the Truro girls won their respective matches the result was determined. Emily Wilson beat Warren 2&1, Andrew beat Varcoe 8&7 and Truro Juniors Captain Trewhela beat Wilkins 4&3. For St Austell Ollie Watson claimed a 5&4 win over Gurd, Douglas halved with Liam Wilson and Maddie Watson halved with Stephens.
St Austell's George Bolitho team are pictured below (L to R; Eldon Douglas, Ollie Watson, Lewis Dorman, Maddie Watson, Marcus Wilkins, Ewan warren and Bradley Varcoe)
The 3rd/4th place playof was reduced to 11 holes and saw Perranporth beat West Cornwall 4 - 2.75.
Truro's winning Kernow Cup team are pictured above (L to R: Sam Hawkey, Matthew Hooper and Sam Rogers).
In the Kernow Cup semi finals West Cornwall drew St Mellion and Truro were pitched against St Austell. Truro disposed of St Austell after comfortably winning all 3 of their matches. Sam Hawkey beat Hugo Watson 4&3, Sam Rogers beat Harry Richards by the same margin and Matthew Hooper beat Hannah McGrath 5&4. The second semi between West Cornwall and St Mellion was a much closer affair with the latter running out 2 - 1 winners. For West Cornwall Jack Kevern put their sole point on the board beating Ryan Gregory 4&3 but the East Cornwall club responded as first James Knight beat Jamie Bushby 3&2 and at the very last hole Jamie Palmer beat Jonty Jenkin 1 up.
St Mellion's Kernow Cup Finals Day team are pictured above (L to R: Ryan Gregory, Harry Taylor, Jamie Palmer and James Knight)
The final was reduced to 15 holes before commencement and this too was for long periods very tight and the outcome, a 3 - 0 winning margin for Truro, does not really reflect the close nature of the match. Hawkey though never looked troubled as he beat Palmer 4&2 but the other two matches bounced to and fro for long periods before, and at much the same point in proceedings, Rogers beat Knight 2 up and Hooper defeated Harry Taylor 2 &1 to see Truro take maximum honours on the day.
The Kernow Cup 3rd/4th place playoff was reduced to 11 holes and here West Cornwall beat St Austell 2 - 1.
Newquay GC Captain Frank Cox welcomed a packed clubhouse to the club and praised all those who had played. He added how pleased the club were at being able to support CGU events. In company with CGU Juniors President Alan Lund, Cox presented the prizes to both winners and runners up in the two competitions.
With this event one of two in the half term break, attention now turns to the Junior Maxam Cup competition which takes place at Perranporth GC tomorrow (Wed 25th October).
Somerset Claim U12 Inter County Title
Sunday 24th September 2017 St Austell GC
Yesterday saw the second staging of the Chinnydipper Junior Clothing sponsored U12 Inter County Championship at St Austell GC. After the inaugural event last year at Dawlish Warren organisers had hoped for the same four counties to participate but with Devon unfortunately having to withdraw it was Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset’s best U12 golfers who descended on St Austell to contest yesterday’s event.
And it was Somerset who came out on top of the pile and claimed the 2017 title as U12 Inter County Champions.
The St Austell club was buzzing yesterday with a real team effort taking place with the junior organisers heavily involved - hoovering, marquee dressing, place setting, sign making, starting, refereeing and presenting. Those efforts appeared under threat as yet again the weather looked as if it might intervene and spoil the day with both fog and rain present at stages. The fog however lifted and play was able to commence on time.
The overall team results were very close, with Cornwall taking the third spot on 155 points, Dorset claimed the runners up spot with 161 whilst Somerset returned a combined total of 164 points to take the trophy!
The Cornwall team are picured above and don't they look smart! (L to R: Archie Fox, Harry Drewett (both Falmouth), Hugo Watson (St Austell), Jack Kevern (West Cornwall), Matthew Hooper (Truro) and Harry Richards (St Austell).
For Cornwall a couple of better putts and drives might have lead to a different result. However St Austell’s own Harry Richards performed very well to return a great 41 points and claim the individual nett title for himself. In gross score terms Richards and fellow St Austell junior Hugo Watson scored 38.
Glyn Rowett, CGU President, Alan Lund, CGU Juniors President, and St Austell GC Captain Gary Warren were in attendance and involved in the prize presentation. Rowett and Warren are pictured with Harry Richards.
The organisers expressed special thanks to the club’s Greenkeeper who expertly cut the wet greens, and to ‘older’ juniors Ollie Watson and Marcus Wilkins for raking all the bunkers, squeegee’d the greens giving up their own golf to ensure the U12s all had a good day.
What was also really nice to see was that after the competition concluded the U12s conducted informal putting and chipping competitions amongst themselves before rejoining as counties for the post competition meal and prizegiving,
The winning Somerset Team are pictured below.
Cornwall U12s Win First Ever County Match
Friendly Cornwall U12 v Wiltshire U12 Sunday 17th September 2017 Looe GC - report by Dave Watson.
The Cornwall U12 played it’s first ever inter county matchplay event yesterday at Looe Golf Club against a visiting team from Wiltshire. Following the deluge of rain that swept the Duchy the previous day, we were expecting it to be soggy underfoot, and maybe the odd temporary green.
However we were proved to be so wrong as we arrived in brilliant sunshine, which blessed us on and off all day. The course was superb, and the greens in terrific condition. A tribute to the hard work that the club and green staff have put into the course recently.
First a 9 hole Foursomes competition off scratch, then moving straight into individual handicapped matchplay for the back 9 holes.
Cornwall came out on top in the Foursomes 2.5 - 1.5 with wins for Jack Kevern & Matthew Hooper, Sam Rogers and Issac D’Bue and a half for Captain Archie Fox and Harry Drewett.
So with a slender lead, and everything to play for, the 9 hole individual produced some fantastic golf! Archie delivered 3&1 overcoming an over aged player despite giving shots. Harry Drewett went down 18 1up, but halved the match on the 18th green. Hugo Watson had an unusually quiet day losing 3&2 but his partner Harry Richards found a different gear and won comfortably 2 up with a stunning long range putt on the 18th.
Jack Kevern also found the greens tough today, and lost 2 down. His partner Matthew Hooper squared his match. Unfortunately he had an unplayable lie on 18, which robbed him of an impressive win.
With Cornwall just leading at this stage, it took Isaac D’Bue's fine win of 3&2 to put us over the line, with Sam Rogers earning a hard fought half, once again on the 18th green.
Cornwall came out winners by 7 - 5 points. A great first victory against stiff opposition, but one that was very well deserved.
The team are pictured above (L to R): - Isaac D’Bue, Harry Drewett (both Fal)mouth, Sam Rogers, Matthew Hooper (both Truro), Jack Kevern (West Cornwall), Archie Fox (Falmouth), Hugo Watson and Harry Richards (both St Austell)
U14s Beaten by Wiltshire
Friendly U14s Cornwall v Wiltshire Sunday 10th September 2017 Launceston GC
Cornwall U14s lost their home friendly encounter with touring Wiltshire yesterday at Launceston GC. The visitors won the match overall by 8.5 - 6.5 and set up the victory by claiming all 5 of the 9 hole foursomes encounters with the Duchy boys. The conditions were described as horrible for the foursomes although the weather eased slightly for the later singles in which Cornwall restored a degree of pride with an excellent comeback attempt as they won 6.5 points from the available 10.
And the U12s Also Play Wiltshire
Cornwall has a a friendly against Wiltshire U12’s on 17th September 2017 which will take place at Looe Golf Club. For this match the following 8 players have been selected: Archie Fox (Falmouth, Capt), Hugo Watson (St Austell), Jack Kevern (West Cornwall), Sam Rogers (Truro), Harry Drewett (Mullion), Matt Hooper (Truro), Harry Richards (St Austell) and Isaac D’Bue (Falmouth).
Congratulations to those selected to represent Cornwall! For more details of the day see below. There will be 9 holes of morning foursomes followed by 18 hole betterball matchplay.
For those of you not selected, keep working on your game and the selectors will keep an eye on your scores.
Any queries should be addressed to U12s Manager Dave Watson on 07854 267980.
U14s Final Fixture of the Season against Wiltshire
The Cornwall Under 14's have one final match for the season, a friendly match against their Wiltshire counterparts at Launceston Golf Club this coming Sunday, 10th September. The 10 a side match over 18 holes has a midday start and players should arrive by 11.00am please. The first 9 holes will be 4 ball better ball match play off scratch and the back 9 holes will be singles matchplay off scratch. For the match team colours are required. There is a meal to follow.
The confirmed team for this fixture is; Will Price (Perranporth) Captain, Josh Chapman (Tehidy Park), Alec Nile (Carlyon Bay), Charlie Ward (Launceston), Lee Chambers (Tehidy Park), Matthew Lamb (Tehidy Park), Archie Fox (Falmouth), Jack Kevern (West Cornwall), Sam Hawkey (Truro) and Jack Chudleigh (St Enodoc)
Any questions should be addressed to Simon Wood on 07971 624313.
Junior Autumn Meeting Falls Victim to the Weather
Sunday 3rd September 2017 Mullion GC
The Junior Autumn Meeting at Mullion was abandoned yesterday as fog intervened and brought about a suspension of play after some 2.5 hours of play. The event had got underway in heavy rain which cleared but was then replaced by a thick mist which stubbornly refused to shift. After a three hour delay during which the juniors were fed and watered the decision was taken to abandon the competition. This obviously means no OoM points were awarded - the up to date OoM positions can be seen on the right hand side of this page. The final OoM event we hope will now be the Junior Open at St Enodoc (Sun 8th October 2017) with OoM prizes to be awarded at the Junior Maxam Cup competition at Perranporth on Wednesday 25th October.
And an U12 Training Day!
Monday 28th August 2017 St Austell GC
In light of the U12 4 County Championship being held at St Austell Golf Club in a month's time on 24th September, CGU Juniors President Alan Lund, U12 Manager Dave Watson and U16/U18 player Ollie Watson gave up their Bank Holiday Monday to provide a training day for the U12 Squad. With a couple of omissions, 14 junior golfers turned up at St Austell on yet another beautiful and very hot day.
The morning session consisted of 3 groups of juniors being guided round the front 9 holes by a team leader and being set some tricky pin positions - behind trees, behind bunkers, and on awkward angled lies. The aim of this session was to illustrate that different shots can be used in each position, and that going for the pin is not always the best or safest option.
Congratulations to Kai Dingle from The Point at Polzeath for showing us his short game skills and carding the lowest scores.
The juniors then took part in a Driving, Chipping and Putting Competition - 2 putts, 2 chips and 2 drives. Well done Archie Fox for winning overall, despite an ace from Harry Drewett in the chipping.
All players then enjoyed sandwiches, salad and chips before heading back onto the course. 18 holes of stableford were on the cards. However as the sun increased in heat, it was quickly adjusted to a 9 hole competition. It simply became too hot!
Congratulations to Isaac D’Bue for just pipping Wilf Gammon on countback by scoring 19 points. Senior players Hugo Watson, Archie Fox, Harry Drewett and Jack Kevern all scoring well and not far off the pace at all.
Many thanks to St Austell Golf Club and its members for allowing us to use their course, and the excellent sandwiches. The day also would not have happened without the efforts of Alan Lund and Dave Watson as they continue their program of grass roots development. It is also nice to see a CGU Junior Player give something back to the CGU, by helping out on the day, and our thanks go to Ollie Watson.
U12 BOYS v U14 GIRLS
Sunday 27th August 2017 Truro GC
The CGU U12s Boys team was in action again on Sunday 27th August. This time they were playing a strong CLCGA U14 Girls team at Truro Golf Club in a straight match play encounter on a beautifully hot day and on a very well presented course. Boys U12 Captain Archie Fox (Falmouth) lead out a team of 9 consisting mainly of rookies, with 3 non CONGU handicap holders matched up against 3 equivalent Girls.
The Boys team - pictured above - was: Archie Fox, Sam Rogers (Truro), Harry Drewett (Mullion), Liam Bateman (St Enodoc), Archie Carnegie (The Point at Polzeath) and Thomas Miller (Truro). The non CONGU players were the U12 Mini Tour Champion Oliver Roberts, Xander Spratt and Harry Martin (all Mullion).
U12 County Champion Archie Fox unfortunately lost to a determined Katie Jenkins by 2 holes. Sam Rogers on his home course posted the team’s first points by earning a half with Maisie Drewett. Then the boys has a winning run; Harry Drewett beating Maddie Watson 2&1, Thomas Miller on his full debut beating Sophia Hallett 4&3, rookie Liam Bateman on his first CGU outing beating Lizzie Nile by 2 holes and Archie Carnegie scoring a win against Hannah McGrath on his debut.
At this point the boys looked comfortable 4.5 to 1.5 with the non CONGU players yet to finish their 11 hole matches. Young Xander Spratt was matched up against Charlotte Jenkin from West Cornwall, and earned a great draw. Oliver Roberts beat Sienna Hickling by 2 holes and Harry Martin lost by a hole to Ruby Stephens from China Fleet. The final result then was a win for the boys, 6 points to 3.
All players then enjoyed a meal with each other and both captains made splendid speeches. Many thanks go to Truro Golf Club for hosting the match, and to Sue Philips from the CLCGA for managing the day. Also thanks to Mick Fox for looking after the boys with the U12 Manager Dave Watson unable to attend.
CORNWALL ARE U16 BEN ENOCH TROPHY CHAMPIONS
Cornwal have been confirmed as U16 Ben Enoch Trophy Champions for 2017. Having lost their final match against Somerset, the Duchy boys needed outside assistance from other matches. That came in the form of a Devon win over Dorset (9.5 - 2.5) last week. Had Devon got a further half point out of that match they could still have overhauled Cornwall at the top of the league but with one game to go for Devon, even a 12-0 rout of Somerset would see them draw level with the Duchy. Under the rules of the competition if there is a tie then the result of the match between the two tied teams would be used to determine a winner. As Cornwall beat Devon 9-3 back in May this year that win ensured the title for U16 Manager Gary Andrew's team.
Andrew was delighted to hear the news and in a message circulated to his team said "Well done to the whole squad, I am very proud of every one of you". Andrew now hopes to arrange a squad get together, possibly and fittingly at the Ben Enoch Day at Truro GC, where the league win and title could be celebrated accordingly.
MIXED FORTUNES FOR U14S & U16S IN SOMERSET
Yesterday the Cornwall U14s and U16s both played Somerset at Mendip Spring GC in respective Jack Roberts League and Ben Enoch Trophy matches and there were mixed fortunes for the two teams.
Whilst the U16s - pictured below - shared the morning foursomes 2 each they lost 5 of the 8 afternoon singles to lose the overall match 7.5 - 4.5. The U14s however gained an important win as they defeated the host county 6.5 - 5.5 in a close encounter after taking a 3.5 - 0.5 lead after the foursomes. The result means the U16s, who have now played their three matches, will have to wait and see how they fayre in the Trophy with other matches yet to be completed. They will be hoping another county does them a favour!
(L to R: Lewis Bradley, Joe Reynard, Jack Andrew, Ricardo Sanchez, Josh Hodge, George Law, Cameron Gurd & Ewan Warren)
A report on the U16s match - courtesy of Team Manager Gary Andrew appears below.
With two excellent wins against Devon and Dorset in the bag, Cornwall’s young team were buzzing as they travelled up on Monday for the practice round knowing that the Ben Enoch Trophy was in their hands. Unfortunately Somerset put in a fine performance and ran out 7 ½ - 4 ½ winners on the day.
The morning foursomes ended in deadlock as Joe Reynard and George Law continued their unbeaten streak with an excellent 2&1 win. They were joined by Lewis Bradley and Ricardo Sanchez who recorded a fine 3&2 win, whilst the pairings of Cameron Gurd and Ewan Warren and Jack Andrew and Josh Hodge both lost as proceedings were levelled by the hosts.
As the lads sat together and tucked into their lunch time refreshments, there was a sense that we were in a tough match, but Captain Joe Reynard gave his team talk and reminded his team that they were playing for a trophy and that every point counts in the overall league.
Leading by example, Joe was in a tremendous battle and being two down with two to play it looked ominous, but Joe dug in to win the last two for an excellent half.
There was then a run of superb golf from Somerset as they went on a winning streak, George Law put up a fight but just lost out 2&1, Cameron Gurd was always down in his match, but got it back to level on seventeen, only for his opponent to birdie the last. Lewis Bradley was up against it. With his opponent in inspired form, he went down 3&1. Ewan Warren was in another hard tussle and fought back to be one down on seventeen, but a blocked tee shot cost him the hole for a final 2&1 result. Jack Andrew was out of sorts losing 7&6.
With the match over, there were two rays of sunshine for the Duchy as Ricardo Sanchez continued to impress at County level, winning 4&2 for an unbeaten run this year and Josh Hodge fought back from being down to win 1 up on the eighteenth.
Team Manager Gary Andrew said “ Obviously the lads are disappointed with the result as they really were up for this match, but it was always going to be a tough ask, this is Somerset’s winter training venue and a number of their team are members, so the local knowledge was a big advantage.
This years campaign has been the best I have been involved in, the team spirit throughout has been superb, I am proud that everyone of the thirteen man squad has played and lets not forget, if Devon or Dorset can get a win over Somerset there is a very strong possibility that we can still win the league given our vast points difference accumulated in the first two matches.
I would like to wish Joe Reynard, Ricardo Sanchez, Lewis Woolaway, Lewis Bradley, Tristan Barnes, Ollie Watson and Rhys Kerton all the best of luck as they now will move onto under 18 golf”
Cornwall Golf Union would like to thank Mendip Spring Golf Club for their superb hospitality and congratulate them on the impeccable condition of the course.
The Cornwall U14s are pictured above. (L to R: Hugo Watson, Archie Fox, Jack Kevern, Liam Wislon, Will Price, Thomas Stephens, Alec Nile & Zack Cook).
And so to the U14s with a report from our roving correspondent Dr Watson!
The U14 team were without manager Simon Wood today, as they took on Somerset on their home course Mendip Spring. CGU Juniors President Alan Lund enthusiastically stepped into the breach, resurrecting his previous management experience.
The team captained by Thomas Stephens (Truro) consisted of Liam Wilson (Truro), Zack Cook and Will Price (both Perranporth), Alec Nile (Carlyon Bay), Archie Fox (Falmouth), Hugo Watson (St Austell) and Jack Kevern (West Cornwall).
The morning foursomes went Cornwall’s way, with Wilson and Price winning 2&1 and the Stephens and Nile combo winning 2 up. The third pairing of Cook and Kevern left it late to secure a win 1up after trailing for much of the match. The final pairing of Watson and Fox gelled well for their match getting to an admirable 3 up with 3 to play. However some inspired play from Somerset, and a missed putt let them back into the match with an eventual half. Cornwall went into the lunch break leading 3.5 to 0.5.
After a tasty lasagna meal for lunch, the afternoon singles began in much breezier conditions. Stephen’s match was nip and tuck with an eventual halve being played out. Wilson despite having a 3 hole lead after 9, also won a hard earned halve. The next match featuring Cook went Cornwall’s way with a comfortable 5&4 win. Some solid and patient tee to green golf was certainly rewarded.
The next 4 matches belonged to Somerset. Price fought all the way to finally go down 2&1. Nile staged a remarkable comeback from being 5 down with 6 to play, to lose 3&1. The tight fairways and abundance of water eventually sealed the fate of Fox as he lost 6&4. The youngest player at only 10, and a late injury replacement, Watson succumbed 4&3 to his big hitting opponent.
So this left just one match with the score poised at 5.5 points each. Kevern was in control of his match from the 8th hole, keeping the upper hand through 15 holes at 2 up. Not having the driving length of his opponent, U12 stalwart Kevern used his short game skills to halve the 16th and to go dormy 2 up.
With this confirmed half point, the overall fixture was being drawn. However no one could have predicted the drama that was to follow. Pressure built when Somerset won 17 with a great par. The final hole was a Par 3 over water..... Somerset pitched and stopped their ball 10 feet from the hole. Kevern cleared the water but rolled 25 feet past the hole. The tension was palpable..... just a half was enough for Cornwall to win.... Kevern putted superbly just short and he was given the putt by Somerset. Somerset lined up for their putt to halve the match. But just missed as the putt slid by the hole.
Kevern’s exuberant fist pump was met with cheers from the Cornwall Team as the match was won 6.5 to 5.5. A brilliant match played in great spirit, with some exhilarating golf and a very focused team effort. The team congratulate Kevern below.
The course truly was superb; long and challenging, in fantastic condition and with true greens. The team, management, and parents were also very well looked after by the golf club. Nothing was too much trouble, and the professional service was truly appreciated.
JUNIOR ROUND UP
It has been a busy period for the junior golfers in the county over the last week and this is set to continue as the summer holidays move on with county matches and junior opens filling the calendar.
The Cornwall U18s went down to a heavy defeat to Devon at Okehampton last Friday (11th August) when they weer whitewashed by the host county in their Roy Greenaway trophy match. Having previoulsy lost to Somerset this result sees the U18 team winless this season. Fielding a young team at Okehampton with 6 of the 10 juniors not having played at the U18 level previously, Cornwall came up against a very strong Devon side who included two scratch golfers in Craig Passmore and Harrison King, the latter having recently represented the full Devon Men's county side. Looking for a positive in the result, the Truro pairing of Liam Wilson and Thomas Stephens lost their foursomes match 2&1 and their clubmate Ricardo Sanchez lost his singles match by the same margin. Those two results apart there were some heavy defeats across the day for the Duchy boys who will now look to next year with the benefit of added experience.
Truro junior golfer Cameron Gurd - pictured above - continued his impressive season with a trip to the prestigious England Under 14 Open Amateur Strokeplay Championship for the Reid Trophy held at the Manchester GC last week. Cameron has penned a short narrative here outlining his experiences at the event in which he performed well and did himself proud. Well done Cam!
Cameron's Story:
I travelled up to Yorkshire on the Saturday before the start of the competition with my Mum and brother to stay with my grandparents who lived about 20 miles from “The Manchester Golf Club” but on the better side of the Pennines (or at least that’s what my mum says).
The practice round was on the Monday, the day before the championship started. I got to the course a few hours early as I had to register and as it was my first International competition I didn’t want to be left short of time for my normal warm up routine. I really enjoyed my round and played with one of my fellow South West Juniors from Dorset, another junior from Wiltshire and an Italian player. My first impressions of the course were really positive. I shot 72 (level par).
The competition started on the Tuesday, I was feeling a little nervous but thought back to other important matches I’ve played in for Cornwall and that settled me down. It was raining from the 6th onwards so I was very pleased to return a good score of 75 (par 72). Both my playing partners were really good company.
The next day was the final day before the cut, I expected the cut to be at around +10 so I knew I needed to play a solid round. It was quite breezy so my golf on the links courses of Cornwall came in handy. I ended up shooting 74, 2 over par for a total of 149 (+5) to make the cut by 6. This left me in tied 16th, I was really pleased to have made the cut and be well up the leaderboard.
On the final day I went out at 11:10 with the leaders teeing off at 12:00. I played a really good front 9 of 1 over par consisting of 1 birdie and 2 bogies. When we came to the back 9 I felt my putter let me down a little. My tactic for the day was to play to the centre of the greens and putt to the edges if required so as not to short side myself and leak shots away. I three putted a few too many times and shot 7 over for the back. This dropped me down the leaderboard to T46. Despite being a bit disappointed with the back 9, I was so pleased I had made the cut and had been contending for much of the Championship.
I had a really enjoyable time at the Reid Trophy and would encourage any Juniors who want to be competitive to give it a try, it was a long way to travel but totally worth it!
Cameron's absence from the county gave some of the juniors a chance to gain ground on him in the respective CGU Junior Orders of Merit where he continues to lead both the U16 Scratch and Handicap categories after 12 of the possible 18 events. In the U16 Scratch Gurd has 147 points but is being pursued by his two Truro clubmates Thomas Stephens (133.50) and Liam Wilson (128.50), whilst in the U16 Handicap Gurd has 105 from clubmate Ricardo Sanchez (103.50), Will Price (Perranporth 98.50) andStephens (94). County Junior Captain Bradley Barnes continues to dominate the main Junior OoM with 185 points from Gurd (128) and Stephens (115).
This week George Leigh (Trevose) will take part in the R&A's Boys Amateur Championship taking place over the Nairn and Nairn Dunbar courses. The first stage of the Championship involves a truly international field of 252 players each of whom plays two rounds of 18 holes, one to be played on each of the two courses.
The 64 lowest scores over the 36 holes and ties for 64th place will compete in the match play stage of the Championship. Each match will consist of one round of 18 holes except the Final which will be over 36 holes. George has a first round tee time of 7.00am on Tuesday 15th August. Good Luck George!
Boys Championship Scores will be available here
Also this week the team of three juniors from Mullion GC will be at the headquarters of England Golf representing Cornwall in the finals of the Junior Champion Club. Connor Davidson, Rhys Kerton and Kieran Ashley will play 36 holes of handicap stableford over two days, with the winning Club being the one with the highest aggregate net stableford score over 36 holes, taking the best two of three scores in each round. Mullion qualified for this event after winning the Cornwall qualifier staged at Trethorne Gc in April 2017. Good Luck Mullion!
Mullion tee off from 11.00am today (14th August) and scores will be available here
U14s BEATEN AT HOME BY DORSET
Jack Roberts League Cornwall v Dorset Mon 7th August 2017 Trethorne GC
Whilst their older county team mates were earning the impressive victory over Dorset things did not go quite so well for the U14s - pictured above - in their match with the south coast county as they were beaten 8 - 4 at Trethorne GC. (L to R: Charlie Ward (Launceston), Hugo Watson (St Austell), Josh Chapman (Tehidy Park), Thomas Stephens, Liam Wilson (Truro), Lee Chambers (Tehidy Park), Zack Cook (Perranporth) and Alec Nile (Carlyon Bay).
Above - Zack Cook about to tee off at the first
On a day where the two counties were evenly matched on paper, Dorset outplayed the Duchy team for whom the hioghlights were two wins from the two Tehidy Park juniors, Josh Chapman and Lee Chambers, and a good singles win from Carlyon Bay's Alec Nile.
Above - Charlie Ward driving at the 15th.
The result leaves Cornwall sat at the foot of the Jack Roberts League with just the one fixture to come against Somerset at Mendip Spring GC on Tuesday 15th August.
U16s ROMP TO DORSET WIN
Ben Enoch Trophy Cornwall v Dorset Mon 7th August 2017 Trethorne GC
[Report from Gary Andrew U16 Team Manager]
Following Cornwall’s recent excellent win over Devon, Under 16 Captain Joe Reynard gave the pre match team talk and whatever he said worked as Dorset were on the receiving end of some quite simply brilliant golf by the Duchy’s young players as they romped to a 11 – 1 victory.
The morning foursomes set the tone for the day as Cornwall won all four matches. Joe partnered George Law for the first time and they gelled well standing at 2 under par for an excellent 5 &3 win. Lewis Bradley and Lewis Woolaway once again played their part with another fine 3&2 victory. The first outing of the year for Rhys Kerton and Ollie Watson saw their partnership win 2&1 and in the final match Ewan Warren and Ricardo Sanchez kept the momentum going with an excellent birdie on the last hole for a 1up win.
At lunch the lads were buzzing and the Captain kept the great team bond going. Another team talk from Joe on the first tee and the team were up for the afternoon singles, as they try and hunt down the Ben Enoch Trophy.
Joe found himself in a very high quality match against his Dorset opponent, being one down standing on the 18th tee. It was not the start he would have been looking for, but he dug in and won the last with a par to secure a half and keep the team momentum going.
George Law looked out of the match as he was 3 down with 4 to play, but he made a miraculous recovery to win the last three for a superb half.
Lewis Bradley was pumped up and under par as he dispatched his opponent 7&5 with a brilliant display. Rhys Kerton had to dig deep as he was 2 down after nine, but played great golf coming in to record a 2 &1 win. Ewan Warren was in a very close encounter, but showed a moment of class as he sank a mammoth putt on the last for birdie to win 1 up. Lewis Woolaway was always in control of his game playing lovely golf and came out winning 2 up. Ricardo Sanchez continued to impress at county level as he recorded an excellent 5&4 victory. With the match all over it was just Ollie Watson left on the course. He was all square going up the 18th but was out of position. With all his team mates watching, Ollie produced a moment of magic as he slotted a low runner through the trees and from 180 yards he ended up 15 feet from the flag. The team and supports were ecstatic as Ollie walked onto the green but he composed himself and then calmly lined up his putt and slotted it in the middle of the hole for one of the most unlikely birdies and a 1 up win.
Team Manager Gary Andrew said “ The moment on the 18th from Ollie summed up the whole day, everything just seemed to go our way. The 11 - 1 score doesn’t actually reflect how well the Dorset lads played, but that’s golf, we have got a tremendous team spirit and momentum going and the lads know it. They were all up for it today and everyone of them played superbly. Hopefully we can reproduce that form next Tuesday against Somerset and lift the trophy”
The U16 team are pictured above (L to R: Ewan Warren, Lewis Woolaway, Joe Reynard, Ollie Watson, Ricardo Sanchez, Lewis Bradley, Rhys kerton and George Law)
The U16s will now play Somerset next Tuesday 15th August at Mendip Spring GC.
TRURO WIN SUMMER KNOCKOUT TITLE
Truro Juniors yesterday claimed victory in the 2017 Brian Gripe Junior Summer Knockout Final defeating West Cornwall at Tehidy Park GC 4.5 - 0.5. In doing so they reversed the result of last years final where the honours had gone to the West Cornwall club. The two teams are pictured below just before they set out in the 36 hole final.
L to R: (Truro) Thomas Stephens, Laura Andrew, Olivia Trewelha, Josh Hodge, Ricardo Sanchez, (West Cornwall) Finn Rule, Bradley Barnes, Casey Olds, Hannah Body and Kira Barnes.
It was a good day for Truro’s Juniors as they played the final of the Brian Gripe Scratch Summer Knockout at Tehidy Golf Club against West Cornwall. The morning 18 holes saw some incredible golf from both teams, but it was Truro that built a solid foundation as going into lunch they were up in all five matches.
At the front end CLCGA County Champion Laura Andrew was 2 up on County Junior Captain Bradley Barnes. Behind Laura, Olivia Trewelha was 2 up on Finn Rule, whilst Ricardo Sanchez had a 3 hole lead over Kira Barnes. Completing the picture, Thomas Stephens was 3 up on Casey Olds whilst Josh Hodge had raced to a 5 hole advantage over Hannah Body. Everyone though was conscious of the fact there were a further 18 holes to play.
After lunch, the wind picked up but it didn’t seem to have an impact on the quality of golf being played. The lead pairing of Barnes and Laura Andrew were all square on the 31st hole when the overall result was confirmed and they agreed to an honourable half.
That was the only half though as Truro consolidated their halfway lead and turned it into a comprehensive victory. Trewhela beat Rule 7&6, Ricardo Sanchez beat Kira Barnes 6&5, Stephens ploughed on to a 9&8 win over Olds and Hodge despatched Body 8&7.
The final had been played in a tremendous spirit and both teams sat down together afterwards to tuck into some well deserved food before Junior Vice President Simon Ferguson – Smith carried out the presentation of prizes congratulating both teams on the high quality of golf played. Host club Tehidy Park were thanked for staging the final and the hospitality surrounding it and the arrangements.
Other Truro players who played earlier rounds of the competition were not forgotten and these included Emily Wilson, Jack Andrew and Cameron Gurd. Gurd was unavailable for the final as he is currently at The Manchester Golf Club participating in the England Golf U14 Open Amateur Strokeplay Championship for the Reid Trophy, which commences tomorrow. We wish him well!
The Truro team are pictured below with their prizes - and don't they look smart! Simon Ferguson-Smith looks on. L to R: Josh Hodge, Ricardo Sanchez, Thomas Stephens, Laura Andrew & Olivia Trewelha.
HOBBS TO CAPTAIN U18s AT OKEHAMPTON
Roy Greenaway Trophy Devon U18 v Cornwall U18 Fri 11th August 2017, Okehampton GC
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With conflicting demands and attractions at this time of the year the Cornwall U18s team to face Devon at Okehampton GC next week features some new and some younger faces. In a nice twist County Junior Champion Simon Hobbs (Bowood Park - pictured above) will captain the side in the absence of Bradley Barnes, in what will be Hobbs final team match for the Duchy as a junior. The Truro quartet of Josh Hodge, Thomas Stephens, Liam Wilson and Ricardo Sanchez have all represented the county at U14 level but are now stepping up two grades to the U18 mark. Ollie Watson has previously represented the county at U16 level but he too will make his U18 debut.
The full team named by Manager Andy Mortimore is: Hobbs, Ollie Watson and Ewan Warren (St Austell), George Law (Perranporth), Joe Reynard (Trevose), Lewis Bradley (St Enodoc), Josh Hodge, Liam Wilson, Thomas Stephens, Ricardo Sanchez (all Truro).
The match will see 5 18 hole foursomes in the morning followed by 10 singles encounters after the lunch break. Cornwall lost their only other match in this league last week at home to Somerset.
TEAMS NAMED FOR U14 & U16 MATCHES
Ben Enoch U16 Cornwall v Dorset / Jack Roberts U14 Cornwall v Dorset
Monday7th August 2017 at Trethorne GC
The U14 and U16 Duchy teams to face Dorset at Trethorne GC on Monday 7th Augsut have been named by the respective team managers Simon Wood and Gary Andrew.
The U14 team is: Thomas Stephens (Captain, Truro), Liam Wilson (Truro), Zack Cook (Perranporth), Alec Nile (Carlyon Bay), Josh Chapman (Tehidy Park), Lee Chambers (Tehidy Park), Charlie Ward (Launceston) and
Hugo Watson (St Austell).
The U14s have played two matches this season losing at home to Devon and drawing away with Wiltshire.
The U16 team is: Joe Reynard (Captain, Trevose), George Leigh (Trevose), George Law (Perranporth), Ewan Warren (St Austell), Rhys Kerton (Mullion), Ricardo Sanchez (Truro), Lewis Bradley (St Enodoc) and Lewis Woolaway (China Fleet).
The U16s have played just the one match this season in which they defeated Devon back in May.
SOMERSET U18s TOO GOOD FOR DUCHY AT TRETHORNE
Cornwall u18s v Somerset U18s Roy Greenaway Trophy Thursday 27th July 2017, Trethorne GC
Somerset proved just too good for the Cornwall team of U18s as they ran out 9.5 - 5.5 winners over the Duchy at a beautifully presented Trethorne GC yesterday.
The Cornwall U18s above (L to R: Simon Hobbs, Lewis Woolaway, Freddie Norris, Cameron Gurd, Bradley Barnes, Ewan Warren, Finn Rule, Rhys Kerton, Lewis Bradley and George Law)
Somerset had the lead at lunch having won the 5 foursomes encounters 3 - 2 and then proceeded to claim 6.5 of the 10 points available in the afternoon singles to cement their deserved victory. On paper Cornwall had a definite advantage with the opposition conceding the best pasrt of 20 shots overall to the Duchy. But Cornwall never grasped this benefit and despite managing a smile after the match felt pretty disappointed in the team performance.
Things had looked very different early on in the day as Cornwall took the opening two foursomes, with Bradley Barnes (above) & Simon Hobbs beating Dylan Xanh & Owen Thresher (1 up) and Cameron Gurd & Finn Rule beating Jake Bovington & Matt Ison (4&3). The Mullion pairing of Freddie Norris & Rhys Kerton went down 4&3 to Josh Higgs & Tom Smith to redress some of the balance for Somerset. Cornwall then lost the last two foursomes both on the 18th green as Ewan Warren & George Law and Lewis Bradley & Lewis Woolaway lost to Liam O'Mara & Adam Jolly and Charlie Hooper & Alfie Jubb respectively.
The only outright afternoon singles winners for Cornwall were Hobbs and Law. Hobbs beat Xanh 5&4 whilst Law (pictured below) defeated Thresher at the last. Gurd (pictured above) pulled a good half point out of the hat having been dormie 2 down to O'Mara and Norris also claimed a half at the last against Smith. Conversely Junior Captain Bradley Barnes had appeared in total control of his game with Josh Higgs but lost the last two holes, gaining the team just a half in the end.
U12s Mini Tour Ends on a High
U12s Mini Tour Sunday 9th July 2017 St Austell GC
Once again the weather was great, as the final U12 Mini Tour Event of the Year, took place at St Austell Golf Club. The culmination of the 5 event series promised some drama in terms of the Tour Championship and it did not fail to deliver. Held in conjunction with the St Austell Junior Open, there were over 100 junior golfers playing on the day, 56 of which belonged to the U12 Mini Tour. It was great to see almost 40 of the 'Chinnydippers' also take part in the Open Competitions.
So before any Tour Championship places could be claimed, the beautifully prepared course had to be played to get the days rankings. The U12 event really got going with a free BBQ for all the players which was eaten in the sumptuous surrounding of the club marquee. Not only the traditional grilled meat and chips, but vegetables and various dips, and fruit kebabs to finish. Mark Wallwork, father of future talent Tiernan, had set up a slide show of tour pictures for all to enjoy.
CGU Juniors President Alan Lund conducted the prize ceremony for the day’s events. Long standing St Austell Pro Tony Pitts generously provided prize balls, which were presented by Mr Chinnydipper himself.
St Austell Standings 9th July
Category 1 Adult Tees - Boys
1st Oliver Roberts - 21 points
2nd Hugo Watson - 20 points
3rd Archie Fox - 20 Points
Category 2 Adult Tees - Girls
1st Maddie Watson - 21 points
2nd Emma Longley - 17 points
3rd Maisie Drewett - 15 points
Category 3 Junior Tees - Unassisted
1st Harry Willmott - 31 points
2nd Joel Veal - 30 points
3rd Alfie Channon - 27 points
Category 4 Junior Tees - Assisted
1st Charlotte Jenkins - 30 points
2nd Sienna Hickling - 30 points
3rd Ella Grace Crocker - 27 points
After the days standings were announced, there was a palpable tension, as kids and parents were testing their mental maths, trying to work out who had won. Luckily after a few words from Glyn Rowett, the CGU President, the much awaited results were aired. They were some big moves as long standing leaders were caught by a chasing pack, and hence, some significant changes. The winners all received trophies, donated by Glyn Rowett, and the Cornwall Ladies County Golf Association, and places 1-3 were also all awarded generous vouchers from Chinnydipper.
U12 Mini Tour Final Standings 2017
Category 1 Adult Tees - Boys
1st Oliver Roberts - 53 points
2nd Tiernan Wallwork - 45 points
3rd Hugo Watson - 38 points
Category 2 Adult Tees - Girls
1st Emma Longley - 70 points
2nd Maddie Watson - 66 points
3rd Maisie Drewett - 60 points
Category 3 Junior Tees - Unassisted
1st Alfie Channon - 60 points
2nd Tristan Woolcock - 58 points
3rd Jack Woolcock - 56 points
Category 4 Junior Tees - Assisted
1st Xander Spratt - 56 points
2nd Jacob Murphy - 55 points
3rd Ella Grace Crocker - 48 points
Simon Wood and his Golf Access scheme sponsored the chipping and putting competitions, which were won by Maisie Drewett and young Jay Dingle. The day was concluded by Darren, the face of Chinnydipper, who said a few words prior to all the players receiving a CGU Medal from Glyn Rowett.
Many thanks also go to Donna McGrath, the luckily unused first aider, the mathematicians who struggled with the cards, the ladies on the reception desk, and all the other parents and members who have given their time to help. The sponsors also made this event happen, as has the generosity of the of St Enodoc, Truro, Trevose, Newquay and St Austell Golf Clubs who have given up their courses for us to play.
So that's it for the Mini Tour for this year.... However it will be back next year, with some new ideas, and maybe a new course or 2............ and below you can see the Juniors enoying a different course or two in the marquee at St Austell!
Secretary’s Note: Thanks have to go to David Watson CGU U12 s Manager for the enormous amount of work he has put into not only developing the U12s Mini Tour but also ensuring it has been such a huge success. Without his boundless energy and organizational skills this simply would not have happened. So on behalf of the U12s and their parents a big THANK YOU DAVE!
SWCGA Boys Championship
Wednesday 5th July 2017 Came Down GC (from Andy Mortimore, CGU U18 Manager)
Cornwall took a developmental side up to Came Down for the South West Championships with four established players in Captain Bradley Barnes, Simon Hobbs, George Leigh and Joe Reynard, two new caps in Lewis Bradley & Lewis Woolaway and two youngsters in Cameron Gurd & George Law.
On the Monday preceding the event Cornwall took on Dorset in a scratch stableford with six scores to count from the eight. On a well presented course scoring was tough for both sides as a strong South West wind drove across the course. Cameron Gurd & George Leigh led the way with scores of 31 followed closely by Joe Reynard on 30, with Dorset returning two 32’s and a 31 they had the slight edge, Dorset were able to extend their lead as the Cornwall scores wilted in the afternoon sun with the final score finishing 184 to 171 in Dorset’s favour.
After a strong practice day Cornwall were ready to put in a good challenge on championship day, which also acts as the qualifier for the England Golf Boys County Finals.
Firstly Cornish officials had to nominate 6 counting players from the 8, which later proved to make the difference between finishing in a competitive fifth place instead of our final position of sixth. It was a truly mixed bag for our eight players with four finishing in the top 17 and four finishing in the bottom 10.
After a difficult couple of days Perranporth's George Law was left out of the nominated 6 but he stood on the tee at his opening hole and ripped his drive straight down the middle of the fairway. This was the start of a sparkling level par 70 the joint best score returned by a Cornish player on the day which he followed with a respectable 77 in the afternoon to finish in 17th place overall. Simon Hobbs on his birthday shot 72 – 71 as did George Leigh to finish in 6th & 7th respectively not far behind was Joe Reynard in 10th place who bounced back from a struggling 76 in the morning with a great level par 70 in the afternoon. Cornwall’s other scores saw Captain Bradley Barnes return scores of 78 – 83, then Cameron Gurd 84 – 82, Lewis Woolaway 81 – 85 and Lewis Bradley 82 – 86.
The final team scores were Somerset +19, Wiltshire +25, Gloucestershire and Dorset +35, Devon +41 and Cornwall +57.
Finishing on a positive note as identified at the start with a different 6 players Cornwall would have finished 5th on +39,. Cornwall were also the only county to have three individual players finishing in the top ten.
CGU U12 Boys v CLCGA U15 Girls
Sunday 1st July 2017 Tehidy Park GC
There were a total of 19 yellow topped juniors buzzing around Tehidy Golf Course on Sunday, as the first leg of the annual CGU U12’s CLCGA U15’s got under way. With several of the girls team unable to make it, and the boys fielding a strong 12 players, the game of choice very quickly became an individual team stableford event. Once again the golfing gods looked favorably on our players, as the weather was dry, warm and with a little breeze. Ideal conditions for a golf competition!
The U12 team featured the usual suspects who have played County golf in the past: Archie Fox (Falmouth), Jack Kevern (West Cornwall), Hugo Watson (St Austell), Harry Drewett (Mullion), Matthew Hooper (Truro), and Harry Richards (St Austell)
The team also had the pleasure of fielding 6 new players, who have only recently acquired their CONGU handicaps.Isaac D’Bue (Falmouth), Quinn Bateman (St Enodoc), Jack Welch (Whitsand Bay), Kai Dingle (The Point), Huxley Kirby (West Cornwall) and Wilf Gammon (Trevose).
The results:
1st Place – Hugo Watson, Matthew Hooper and Wilf Gammon - 78 point (pictured above)
2nd Place - Harry Drewett, Isaac D’Bue and Jack Welch – 76 points
3rd Place - Katie Jenkin, Maisie Drewett, Maddie Watson and Emma Longley – 75 points
There were some outstanding performances from all the newcomers in what was understandably a nervy affair wearing the yellow top for the first time: Wilf scored 34 points with 3 blobs, Isaac birdied the 18th, Jack scored 19 points on the front 9, Kai drainied a massive put on the 1st, Huxley carded 5 3 pointers, and young Quinn for being the most consistently straight player on the park. A great effort by all of the newcomers, and the future is already started to look brighter!
The presentation was presided over by Dave Watson, the U12 Manager, with the much appreciated support of Sue Philips from the CLCGA. Both Archie Fox (U12 Captain) and Kira Barnes (U15 Captain) said a few words, thanking Tehidy for a wonderfully presented course and the generous opportunity to play on it.
The entire U12 Boys group are pictured below
Next up for the U12s is St Austell on Sunday 9th July 2017
U12s First Mini Tour Event Hailed a Great Success at St Enodoc
U12 Mini Tour Round 1 Sunday 19th March 2017 St Enodoc GC
St Enodoc Golf Club was awash with juniors and red Chinnydipper caps, as the inaugural Cornwall Golf Union U12 Mini Tour teed off on Sunday. 54 junior golfers turned up to play a fun, shortened version of the game over 9 holes of stableford. Players from as far afield as Mullion and China Fleet made the journey and for some, whose clubs do not have a junior section, this was their first taste of junior golf.
The day consisted of the main competitions as well as some putting and chipping challenges managed by the St Enodoc Junior Section. The effort and support of the St Enodoc club was fantastic and went a long way to ensuring that the day was such a success. Even the weather held off until all the juniors were back in the clubhouse!
All juniors were treated to a CGU U12 Bag Tag and a Chinnydipper hat before their allotted tee time, and everyone was encouraged to take part in all the activities. Alan Lund, the CGU Juniors President, started all the groups, and many parents, and CGU Junior Committee members acted as stewards and card markers.
As the cards started to come in, the organisers realised this was to be a special day. The quality of golf became apparent as some truly magnificent scores started to appear!
The headline results are:
Category 1 – Boys Adult Tees
1st – Jack Welch (Whitsand Bay pictured above with Alan Lund) 26 Points, 2nd – Matthew Hooper (Truro) 25 Points, 3rd – Hugo Watson (St Austell) 24 Points
Category 2 – Girls Adult Tees
1st – Hannah McGrath (St Austell pictured above) 28 Points, 2nd – Maddie Watson (St Austell ) 18 Points, 3rd – Emma Longley (Trevose) 16 Points
Category 3 – Unassisted Junior Tees
1st – Aidan Trewolla (Lanhydrock pictured above) 35 Points, 2nd - Jack Woolcock (West Cornwall) 32 points, 3rd – Alfie Channon 9West Cornwall) 31 Points
Category 4 – Assisted Junior Tees
1st - Jacob Murphy (West Cornwall pictured above) 36 Points, 2nd – Xander Spratt (Mullion) 33 Points, 3rd – Samuel Burslem (Mullion) 32 Points
Chipping
1st Sam Rogers (Truro), 2nd Tiernan Wallwork (Tehidy)
Putting
1st Hugo Watson (St Austell) and Matthew Hooper (Truro)
A word must also be written for the sponsors of the event whose, along with St Enodoc Golf Club, made the day possible. Thank you to Chinnydipper Junior Golf Clothing, Golf Access and The Cornwall Tea Towel Co.
The next event is being held at Truro Golf Club on 23rd April 2017
U12s Mini Tour Set for Kick-Off
A very impressive turnout of 54 U12s are due to take to the Holywell Course at St Enodoc on Sunday 19th March 2017 as the U12 Mini Tour kicks off a series of 5 events.
When the CGU decided last year to support an U12s section no one realised the interest that would be created or indeed existed at this age level. Now as a result of many hours hard work by Manager David Watson the U12 Mini Tour will get underway with the entry levels exceeding expectation by some margin.
Watson said '"We were hoping to get perhaps 40 U12s so to see the demand and interest reach the 54 level has not only been surprising but also impressive. I can only thank the 5 clubs who have so readily made their facilities available to us for the events. Retrospectively you would say why didn't we do this a long time ago but here we are with an excited group looking forward to it all."
CGU Juniors President Alan Lund says " This is a great initiative with the intention of allowing this younger group to familiarise themselves with the game at an earlier age than we have catered for previously. I am sure it will be a success and obviously the hope is we can make the events enjoyable for them so that they want to keep coming back and stay in the game. I know just how much hard work David has put in and now we look forward to it all getting underway. We should also thank the two sponsors of the Mini Tour, Chinnydipper Junior Clothing and the Cornwall Tea Towel Company - their support and interest is much appreciated."
Apart from the actual golf on the course, starting at 11.00am, Watson will be staging some skills challenges for the youngsters across the day with the overall emphasis on making this and the other events fun for those taking part.
St Enodoc Start Sheet 19th March 2017
Other events will take place as follows;
April 23rd - Truro GC
21st May - Trevose G&CC
25th June - Newquay GC and
9th July - St Austell GC
Devon secure Junior Win at Stunning St Enodoc
16th February 2017
Cornwall v Devon Pre-Season Friendly Wednesday 15th February 2017 St Enodoc GC
The Cornwall Juniors - pictured above - took on neighbours Devon yesterday at a sunkissed St Enodoc in the annual pre-season friendly which sees a 12 man team play a scratch stableford with the ten best scores from each side forming an aggregate total. After managing an excellent draw away to Devon at Saunton last year hopes were high the Cornish boys would achieve an outright win over their home turf.
This was not to be however as Devon claimed the win by 251 points to the Duchy's 238.
The St Enodoc course was presented in excellent condition with its customary fast greens, and with the weather a complete contrast to that experienced by the Juniors at Perranporth on Monday, there was a gentle breeze which ensured there was still a tough test of golf - something the scores from both sides demonstrated.John Barnes picture below gives an indication of how nice the day was.
The picture below by County Vice Captain Ian Veale shows just how glorious it was at St Enodoc yesterday His tweet was posted with the caption 'Simply Stunning'.
29 scratch points was the best score of the day with three Cornish juniors and two from Devon on that mark. The reliable Junior Captain Bradley Barnes (West Cornwall) and George Leigh (Trevose) were two of the Cornishmen on 29 and the third was Mullion's Freddie Norris in what was arguably the best performance of the day. Freddie's 29 points equated to 36 nett points as he returned the lowest gross of the day, a 74 which included 4 birdies.
On a day when the CSS went up to 75, Devons tail was the one which wagged the hardest. With the first 6 scores in the Duchy held a 13 point lead but as other scores were returned this was reversed to the final 13 point loss.
The other top Cornish performer was Jack Andrew (Truro). Playing off 7 Andrew returned Cornwall's 4th best score with 24 gross points. This was his first competitive round after a five month absence and he defied his long lay off period.
Juniors Open with Win against Seniors
Cornwall's Juniors Team - pictured above - opened their season with a win over the County Seniors team at a very windy Perranporth yesterday. In the match which has become a permanent pre season friendly fixture for both teams it was the youth which came out on top of experience winning overall by 4 matches to 2.
Whilst it was thankfully a dry day the course was made extremely challenging due to the current spell of strong easterly winds. Despite this though there was some very good golf played.
In the first match out Simon Hobbs (Bowood Park) & county junior Captain Bradley Barnes (West Cornwall) had a tough battle against county seniors Captain Simon Harper (St Austell) & seniors Vice Captain elect Andy Rowe (Looe) in a tight match. There was never more than one hole in it until the 16th and the juniors went on to win 2 & 1.
The West Cornwall seniors pairing of Malcolm Edmunds & Neil Hodding levelled things when they defeated Rhys Kerton (Mullion) & Chris Turner (Launceston) 6 & 5. Edmunds and Hodding made three birdies in five holes to take command.
Finn Rule (West Cornwall) & Cameron Gurd (Truro) put the juniors back in front with a commanding 4 & 3 win over new senior Colin Kitt (China Fleet) & Colin Ross (Falmouth).
David Goodman (Bowood Park) & County Vice President Mike Ellis (Trevose) were too strong for Ewan Warren (St Austell) & Lewis Bradley (Bowoood Park) as they ran out 3 & 1 winners.
As the previous match was finishing Trevor Ashton (Trevose) & Charlie Phillips (Newquay) were looking to take an unlikely half for the Seniors after being 3 down with 3 to play but after wins on 16 & 17 they were back in it against the Mullion junior pairing of Connor Davidson & Freddie Norris. With Ashton & Davidson out of the hole it was left to Freddie and Charlie. Norris was only 15ft from the hole with Phillips some 25ft away. Watching spectators ventured it was safe for the juniors. However, Phillips had other thoughts, showing all his experience and nerve to roll in his putt for a great birdie. The excitement was not over though as Norris steadied himself before rolling in his own putt for victory.
Due to an inbalance of numbers Josh Hodge (Truro) played 11th man for the seniors in a tight match against his club mate Tom Stephens which saw Tom take the match on 18 for a one hole win.
The whole match was played in great spirit, with some fantastic golf played in very tough conditions.
The Juniors are in action again on Wednesday this week when they take on neighbours Devon at St Enodoc.
U18 Teams named for Season Openers
The teams have been selected for matches against Cornwall Seniors and against Devon with both taking place in the February half term week.
First of all the following U18s will take on the Seniors at Perranporth GC on Monday 13th February 2017 commencing at 10.30am in pairs betterball matchplay.
Bradley Barnes (Captain, West Cornwall), Simon Hobbs and Lewis Bradley (Bowood Park), Finn Rule (West Cornwall), Cameron Gurd, Thomas Stephens and Josh Hodge (all Truro), Rhys Kerton, Connor Davidson, Freddie Norris (all Mullion), Chris Turner (Launceston), and Ewan Warren (St Austell).
Two days later on Wednesday 15th February 2017 the U18s will take on Devon at St Enodoc GC starting at 10.00am. This annual friendly fixture sees both counties playing a stableford competition with the best 10 scores from each team making an aggregate total to determine the winners.
The 12 man team to play Devon is: Bradley Barnes, Joe Reynard, Cameron Gurd and Jack Andrew (Truro), George Leigh (Trevose), Simon Hobbs, Lewis Bradley, Rhys Kerton, Connor Davidson, Freddie Norris, Chris Turner, and Jake Alcock (Lanhydrock).
Bradley becomes Junior County Captain
West Cornwall GC member Bradley Barnes last night became Junior County Captain as his predecessor Jared Mortimore (Truro) stepped down from the role after a successful 12 month period. The pair are pictured above (Barnes on the right) after the conclusion of the 2016 Annual General Meeting of the Cornwall Golf Union's Junior Section.
Juniors President Alan Lund welcomed those present including CGU President Glyn Rowett, Past President Phil Linaker, Junior Organisers, representatives and other interested parties from 9 clubs.He thanked Newquay GC for their hospitality and for continuing to make the club premises available to the section for this meeting.
Lund presented his report to the meeting with further reports presented by U18 (Andy Mortimore), U16 (Gary Andrew), U14 (Simon Wood) and U12 (Dave Watson)Team Managers as well as Matt Tucknott, Director of Junior Coaching.
Retiring Junior Captain Mortimore addressed the meeting and highlighted a number of events and winners from across the past season before wishing his successor Barnes well. Alan Lund presented Jared with a memento in respect of his time in the role.
Barnes too spoke to the audience saying what an honour it was for him to become Junior Captain and how he looked forward to representing the county to the best of his ability.
An election took place for three vacant spots on the CGU Junior Committee with Cath Andrew, Dave Watson joining the committee and Simon Wood being returned.
Full Minutes of the meeting will be circulated in due course.
U12s draw curtain on season
With the golfing season drawing to an end, the U12 squad played their final friendly match of the year. The younger 2017 squad threw down the challenge to the U12’s that are moving up to the U14 squad next year. The match was kindly hosted by St Austell Golf Club in what was cold but breezy and dry conditions.
Once again Alan Lund, the CGU Juniors President supported the development of our younger players by acting as official starter, and monitoring the children out on the course.
The teams consisted of:
2017 U12's - Archie Fox (Falmouth), Hugo Watson (St Austell), Harry Richards (St Austell), Harry Drewett (Mullion), Sam Rogers (Truro) and Matthew Hooper (Truro)
U12 Leavers - Will Price (Perranporth), Alex Minter (Falmouth), Jack Warren (St Austell), Sam Hawkey (Truro), Sam Foster (West Cornwall) and Rhys Evans (Perranporth).
The match also signified the change of Captaincy as Will Price led his team for the last time, as he later relinquished his role to young Archie Fox. The two are pictured above.
The first part of the match was greensomes, with the individual match play starting as soon as this was concluded. The leavers took the ascendency after this part of the day, leading 2 to 1. All players were treated to some cake and drinks after the 9th hole courtesy of one of the players and his mother.
However it was the singles matches that provided the great tussles out on the course. The lower handicappers Archie Fox and Will Price ended with a draw in the singles after young Archie fought back from being 1 down for most of the match. Next up saw the biggest difference in physical size with Alex Minter towering over the diminutive Hugo Watson. However a gross birdie on the 17th and some great approach work on the 18th saw the pint sized pugilist win by 2 holers. The all St Austell match up between Harry Richards and Jack Warren was tight until the 16th when Harry’s short game came into the fore. Harry Drewett chipped in twice in his match, and played some delightful golf as he defeated the big hitting and ever fighting Rhys Evans. Then newly capped Sam Foster showed his potential with some big and accurate driving to overcome the developing Sam Rogers. Finally the whole match hinged on the outcome between Sam Hawkey and Matthew Hooper. All level playing the 18th, Sam had a 12 foot putt to to take the match. The attention to detail and careful consideration paid dividends as he slotted the putt to give the Leavers team a vital point.
A point so vital that it actually halved the entire match with 4 1/2 points for each team. A worthy result on a day where the matches were played in great spirit, the players enjoyed it immensely, and friendships were forged that will help them all in their golfing lives.
This reporter apologises for the lack of team photos - the change to GMT had not not been factored in and it simply was too dark!
Truro Retain Junior Maxam Trophy
CGU Junior Maxam Cup, Wednesday 26th October 2016, The Point at Polzeath GC
Truro juniors - pictured above - retained the Junior Maxam Cup trophy at The Point at Polzeath GC yesterday when their 6 man team of 3 pairs came out on top of the pile by 10 shots over runners up West Cornwall. (L to R: Laura Andrew, Olivia Trewelha, Josh Hodge, Jared Mortimore, Emily Wilson and Cameron Gurd)
County Junior Captain Jared Mortimore, playing in his last junior event, with Emily Wilson, pictured above, set the pace as they returned the best individual foursomes score of the day, a 2 over par 74. The other counting score for the winners came from Laura Andrew and the in form Cameron Gurd with their 79 making a team total of 153 in the two from three pairs format. Olivia Trewelha and Josh Hodge recorded an 85.
Runners up West Cornwall finished on a total of 163 with their best pairing Noah Badcock and Jordan Musitano signing for a 77 whilst Bradley Barnes and Finn Rule returned a disappointing 86. Badcock and Musitano's score saw them claim runners up spot in the nett individual pairs (nett 71). The third West Cornwall pair were Emily Jenkin and Cameron Richards.
Third place was secured by Mullion GC whose pairing of Rhys Kerton and Freddie Norris scored the second best individual score of the day with a 75 which gave them the gross individual runners up spot. The winners on the nett front were brothers Simon and Adam Hobbs (Bowood Park) with a nett 70.
Team nett winners were Falmouth juniors on a nett total of 146 with Mullion runners up on 149.5.
CGU Juniors President Alan Lund welcomed a packed clubhouse to the presentations and said how good it was to see a total of 70 juniors particpating on the day with individual pairs entered from a number of clubs over and above their nominated teams of 6. Before Lund presented the prizes Juniors Vice President Simon Ferguson-Smith gave details of the 2016-17 Winter Coaching programme and urged the juniors to take up what is the best value coaching on offer.
The Point at Polzeath were heartily thanked for yet again providing a warm welcome, a well presented course and excellent catering for those taking part.
Speaking on behalf of the winners, Truro Junior Captain Emily Wilson paid tribute to the host club and thanked her team for their performance. She made special mention of Mortimore playing his last event as a junior. Emily wished Jared well for the future and at the same time said how much he would be missed.
Pictures below: Freddie Norris, Rhys Kerton, Cameron Gurd, Connor Flynn (Mullion), Connor Davidson (Mullion), Maisie Drewett (Mullion), Harry Drewett (Mullion), George Law (Perranporth), Danielle Price and Olivia Trewelha (Perranporth and Truro), Jack Kevern (West Cornwall) Katie Jenkin (West Cornwall). Ricardo Sanchez and Thomas Stephens (Truro).
Junior Order of Merit Winners 2016-17
The prizegiving at this year's Junior Maxam Cup included awards to the respective Junior Order of Merit winners for 2016.
Main CGU Junior OoM
Runner up: Finn Rule (West Cornwall)
Winner:Bradley Barnes (West Cornwall) pictured with CGU Juniors President Alan Lund
U16 Scratch OoM -
Runner up:Rhys Kerton (Mullion)
Winner: Finn Rule (West Cornwall)
U16 Handicap OoM
Runner up: Finn Rule (West Cornwall)
Winner: Zack Cook (Perranporth) pictured above with Alan Lund
U14s beaten by Wiltshire ........ Just!
Friendly Match Cornwall U14s v Wiltshire U14s, Sunday 25th September 2016, Boringdon Park GC, Plymouth
For the second time in a week the Cornwall U14s - pictured above - took on a visiting county team and narrowly lost the encounter. After last week's home defeat at Trethorne by Glamorgan this time the visitors were Wiltshire with the match taking place at Boringdon Park GC in Plymouth.
In a 12 a side match the Duchy team played 7 foursomes matches over 9 holes before playing 18 holes in singles.
When the foursomes element was completed the Duchy's juniors led by 3.5 to 2.5 but when they could only take 4 of the singles outright and halved two more the final result was Wiltshire 9.5 - 8.5 Cornwall.
Foursomes wins for Cornwall came from Camerron Gurd (Truro) with Zack Cook (Perranporth), from the all Tehidy Park pairing of Josh Chapman and Matthew Lamb and from James Dempsey (Falmouth) playing with Alister Starkey (Whitsand Bay). Bradley Varcoe (St Austell) playing with Rowan Bennett (Merlin) obtain a half in their match.
The 12 singles turned out to be a very close affair and in the end Wiltshire took seven of them. Cornish winners were Liam Wilson, Josh Hodge (both Truro), Bennett and Varcoe and halves for Gurd and Chapman.
The Wiltshire and Cornwall U14 teams pictured together at Boringdon Park GC, Plymouth.
U12s Tournament Hailed a Success
Chinnydipper U12s Four Counties Tournament, Sunday 25th September 2016, The Warren GC, Dawlish
The County U12 team were in action again at the weekend in the inaugural Chinnydipper 4 Counties Team Championship at the Warren Golf Club in Dawlish. Organised by the Cornwall U14 Manager Simon Wood, and the U12 Manager Dave Watson, 6 players each from Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset competed over 18 holes in a stableford Par + 1 competition off scratch. Our very own Juniors President Alan Lund made the journey for the day, and managed a very efficient starting role! The four teams of U12s are pictured above.
The team, consisting of Will Price (Perranporth – Captain), Archie Fox (Falmouth), Charlie Ward (Launceston), Jack Kevern (West Cornwall), Archie Andrew (Truro) and Jonty Jenkin (West Cornwall), started off well against some very strong single figured golfers from our neighbouring unions. However the experience and prowess of the low handicappers prevailed, and Dorset came out winners with an incredible 175 points from 4 scores.
1st - Dorset 175 points, 2nd - Somerset 148 points, 3rd - Devon 147 points, 4th - Cornwall 125 points
Cornwall also took the opportunity to take 3 young reserves to follow the main competition. Hugo Watson (St Austell), Harry Richards (St Austell) and Harry Drewett (Mullion) all scored superbly with scores that would have made the final team score.
Alan once again stepped forward during the presentation, in conjunction with the event sponsor Chinnydipper Junior Golf Clothing to present all players with a playing medal and the championship trophy for Dorset. Chinnydipper have been an incredible sponsor for this event, furnishing all teams with a match shirt and supplying the trophy and all the medals, and we are very much indebted for their support!
It must be highlighted that the competition was played in tremendous spirit, with all players eating with their playing partners, in what was a lovely and lively post match meal. The Warren Golf Club were also very accommodating and were very generous in offering us their beautiful course for this competition.
So all in all, a great day. As Dave Watson stated “I think our players went away happy but with a few things to think about. For most of these players, it was their first competitive county match and I am very proud of them all.”
The very smart looking Cornwall U12s are pictured below with their medals as provided by sponsors Chinnydipper. From L to R: Will Price, Archie Andrew, Jack Kevern, Archie Fox, Charlie Ward and Jonty Jenkin.
U14s in Narrow Loss to Glamorgan
Cornwall U14s v Glamorgan U14s Sunday 18th September 2016 Trethorne GC
The Cornwall U14s - pictured above - narrowly lost a friendly fixture yesterday at home to the touring Glamorgan U14s. In a 14 a side match played at Trethorne GC the Duchy team played 7 fourball matches over 9 holes before playing the remaining 9 holes as singles.
At the conclusion of the fourballs the Welsh team had a narrow advantage leading 4-3 and it was that one point lead that was ultimately the difference as the 14 singles matches were halved at 7 a piece giving the visitors a very narrow 11-10 win.
In the fourballs Zack Cook (Perranporth) and Bradley Varcoe (St Austell) were winners as were last minute replacement George Bray (Truro) playing with Charlie Ward (Launceston). There were halves for George Law (Perranporth) playing with Ewan Warren (St Austell) and for the Truro duo of Liam Wilson and Thomas Stephens.
Wilson, Stephens, Varcoe, Bray and Ward all had good days as they followed their earlier wins with singles victories too. The other Duchy singles winner for Cornwall was Louis Ratcliffe (Falmouth) whilst there were halves for Morgan Craven (Truro) and Archie Fox (Falmouth).
The final result produced a measure of revenge for Glamorgan. In March this year as part of a pre-season tour the Cornish U14s had come out on top in a match played at Llantrisant & Pontyclun GC.
U12s Tournament Team Named
The CGU U12 manager Dave Watson has selected his team for the inaugural U12s 4 Counties Championship on the 25th September 2016 at Dawlish Warren Golf Club. The six man side will be captained by Perranporth GC's Will Price.
The full team is: Will Price - (Captain, Perranporth), Archie Fox (Falmouth), Archie Andrew (Truro), Charlie Ward (Launceston), Jack Kevern and Jonty Jenkin (West Cornwall). Travelling reserve - Hugo Watson (St Austell)
These are exciting times for the youngest of our golfers as Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset will all come together on the 25th September to play in the first ever U12 South West Championship.
Graciously hosted by Dawlish Warren Golf Club in Devon, 4 teams of 6 players will compete over 18 holes in a Par + 1 stableford event.
Alan Lund, the Cornwall Juniors President, described the event as “a wonderful opportunity for our young golfers to experience the thrill of representing their county in an organised event. The format has been carefully chosen to encourage all those who will participate, and start them positively on their golfing careers.”
The Championship is also very fortunate to have a main sponsor for the day in the form of Chinnydipper Junior Golf Clothing. One of the company directors, Darren Stratman is delighted to offer his support in providing shirts and trophies for the day - “We like to support junior golf, and we are involved in a number of tours throughout the country and are very pleased to be involved in this inaugural event.”
Chinnydipper is a brand for the aspiring Junior Golfer who not only want to play like their heroes, they want to dress like them too! The company’s clothing is designed with the latest Golf fashion in mind, using high quality fabrics at prices which “don't hurt parent's pockets! We know how expensive it is as the little angels keep growing...and growing...and growing! The company offers regular discounts for returning customers seeking the next size up!
Chinnydipper say "No longer is Golf for the older members of our nation. No longer is wearing checked trousers out of the ordinary. Dressing the part is just as much fun as the game itself!"
Bradley Masters Mullion in Junior Autumn Meeting
Bradley Barnes (West Cornwall) was the major winner in the 2016 Junior Autumn Meeting at Mullion GC on Sunday 4th September 2016. Barnes is pictured above with Mullion GC Captain Glyn Summersall and CGU Juniors President Alan Lund.
Barnes recorded two impressive rounds of 2 under par 68 followed by a 71 to claim victory, the Penhale Cup, and also tied up a win in the 2016 CGU Junior Order of Merit.
Other great performances on the day came from Josh Hodge (Truro) who shot a morning 73 to claim the Chris Brian Trophy for the best U14 morning gross score, whilst Mullion member Freddie Norris won the John Dingle Trophy for the best overall gross score (76+73=149) by a home club member. Norris also took home the Reg Curtis Salver for the best overall nett score (69+66=135). Truro's Joe Reynard captured the Jubilee Tankard awarded to the best overall gross by an U16 year old (70+74=144).
The U16 Order of Merit (Scratch) has been won by Finn Rule (West Cornwall) whilst a fine morning nett 69 this the last counting event saw Zack Cook (Perranporth) overtake Rule and claim the U16 Order of Merit (Handicap).
The various OoM winners will be presented with their prizes at the Junior Maxam competition taking place at The Point at Polzeath in October.
The full list of prize winners at Mullion:
U14 Nett (a.m. only)
3rd Will Price (Perranporth) Nett 70
2nd Bradley Varcoe (St Austell) Nett 69
Winner Zack Cook (Perranporth) Nett 69 cb
Nett Prizes – Overall (a.m & p.m rounds)
(19-28 handicaps)
2nd Jack Kevern (West Cornwall) Nett Total 139
1st Leon Knight (St Austell) Nett Total 138
(10-18 handicaps)
2nd Eldon Douglas (St Austell) Nett Total 144
1st Lewis Bradley (Bowood Park) Nett Total 138
(0-9 handicaps)
2nd Ewan Warren (St Austell) Nett Total 140
1st Finn Pearce (St Austell) Nett Total 137
Chris Brian Trophy - Best U14 Gross (a.m. only)
Winner Josh Hodge (Truro) Gross 73
John Dingle Trophy - Best Mullion Gross Overall (a.m & p.m rounds)
Winner Freddie Norris Gross 149 (76 + 73)
Jubilee Tankard Best U16 Gross Overall (a.m & p.m rounds)
Winner Joe Reynard (Truro) Gross 144 (70 + 74)
Reg Curtis Salver Best Overall Nett (a.m & p.m rounds)
Winner Freddie Norris (Mullion) Nett Total 135 (69 + 66)
Penhale Cup Scratch Overall (a.m & p.m rounds)
3rd Ben Browning (Trevose) Gross Total 144 (72 + 73)
2nd Finn Rule (West Cornwall) Gross Total 145 (75 + 70)
1st Bradley Barnes (West Cornwall) Gross Total 139 (68(-2) + 71)
Pictures above show: Joe Reynard on 10, Connor Davidson into 9, Cameron Gurd on 10 watched by George Law, Tristan Barnes on 10, Ewan Warren on 10, Josh Hodge & Ollie Watson watch a tee shot, Bradley Barnes on 15 and from the rough on the same hole, Simon Hobbs on 15, Ben Browning watches a putt on 15, Bradley Barnes on 17 and his shot into the last.
U12s Enjoy Another Competitive Encounter at Truro
The Cornwall U12 Golf Squad continued its development on Sunday, as 10 of its members took part in a 3 way mini stableford tournament at Truro Golf Club against the Cornwall U15 girls. 3 teams of 5 competed over 18 holes with the best 4 scores from each team counting towards towards their aggregate score.
The day was hosted by Sue Philips from the CLCGA, and Mick Fox from Falmouth managing the boy’s teams.
Despite the occasional dousing of drizzle, the teams competed well with some very good scores being posted.
The winners were the ‘Cornwall Foxes’ who posted a great 140 points – this team was led by Archie Fox (35 points) assisted by Jack Kevern from West Cornwall (32), Rhys Evans from Perranporth (38), Harry Drewitt from Mullion (34) and Sam Hawkey from Treloy (33).
In second place with 129 points, were the ‘Cornwall Prices’ captained by CGU U12 captain Will Price (Perranporth) who scored 32 points. In his team were Will Sercombe (27), Alex Minter (32) – both from Falmouth, Jonty Jenkin from West Cornwall (38) and Matthew Hooper on his home track (24).
The girls team featuring Katie Jenkin from West Cornwall, Maisie Drewitt from Mullion, Lucy Warne from Carlyon Bay and Katie Nash, scored an impressive 123 points. Lucy Warne scored an impressive 38 points.
Mixed Fortunes for Junior Teams Against Somerset
Cornwall U16s v Somerset, Cornwall U14s v Somerset Monday 22nd August 2016, Trethorne GC
Cornwall had a day of mixed fortunes in the respective U16 and U14 matches versus Somerset staged at Trethorne GC on Monday 22nd August 2016. The U16 team were successful recording a 7.5 - 4.5 victory whilst the U14 team were comprehensively beaten 7 - 2.
In the morning foursomes for the U16s, - pictured above - the previously unbeaten partnership of Joe Reynard and George Leigh found inspired opposition and lost 3&2. Finn Rule and Cameron Gurd continued their unbeaten partnership with some impressive course management and quality golf to record an excellent 6&5 win. Tristan Barnes and Freddie Norris found themselves in a tight match but were just edged out 2&1. Lewis Woolaway teamed up with late replacement Lewis Bradley and they preformed excellently. Whilst they were two down at one stage the pairt dug in and won six holes on the bounce to record a fine 4&3 win and level the match score at the lunch break at 2-2.
In the afternoon singles George Leigh found himself in a right old battle which ended in stalemate after 18. Finn Rule was up against an in form opponent and went down 4&3, whilst Joe Reynard played very solid golf to win 3&2. Cameron Gurd is really starting to make a name for himself, with a combination of incredible accuracy, course management and a winning mentality which delivered him a massive 8&7 win. Freddie Norris made up for his morning disappointment with some fine golf ina 3&2 win. Unfortunately Tristan Barnes was out of sorts and went down heavily 8&7but Lewis Woolway capped a fine day in which he earned maximum points winning 2 up as did his morning partner Lewis Bradley who had a excellent 3&1 win.
Team Manager Gary Andrew was very pleased with this his first win and said “I am delighted as it leaves us in second place in the Ben Enoch League, a vast improvement on last year. We only lost one match this year by a slender 2 points to the eventual winners Dorset, but we are definitely moving in the right direction. I am already really looking for to next year now as we only lose two players due to age, but we gain a whole glut of quality players, meaning competition is going to be fierce!!
Andrew thanked Trethorne for hosting the event, saying "The course was immaculate and we were made to feel very welcome.”
The U16 Ben Enoch Trophy is therefore won for the third year running by Dorset who were unbeaten in any of their three matches.
(U16 Team photo Back Row L to R: Tristan Barnes, Finn Rule, Joe Reynard, George Leigh. Front row: Freddie Norris, Cameron Gurd, Lewis Woolaway, Lewis Bradley)
Whilst U14 manager Simon Wood echoed those latter sentiments his team were outplayed in a fixture they had hoped much more from having won away in Dorset the previous month following a drawn match in Devon earlier in the season.
His morning three foursomes pairings - pictured above - were all beaten. Ewan Warren and Josh Hodge went down 2&1, Morgan Craven and Liam Wilson lost 3&1 and Tom Stephens and Zack Cook lost 2 down.
In the afternoon six singles matches the only Cornish wins came for Craven and Hodge who won 3&2 and 5&3 respectively.Warren featured in a tight match but lost on the last hole as did Wilson. Stephens was beaten 5&3 and Cook lost 3&1.
U 14 Team photo (L to R): Bradley Varcoe, Thomas Stephens, Josh Hodge, Ewan Warren(Capt), Zack Cook, Liam Wilson, Morgan Craven and Archie Fox.
Cornwall U16s v Somerset U16s Matchsheet
Cornwall U14s v Somerset U14s Matchsheet
Truro Teams Take Trophy Double
George Bolitho Shield and Kernow Cup Finals, Sunday 21st August 2016, Carlyon Bay GC
Truro Juniors claimed a double trophy win at Carlyon Bay today as teams from the club won both the George Bolitho Shield and Kernow Cup finals. Not only did they win the shield but two teams from the club contested the Kernow Cup final to boot.
Four teams had progressed from the league stages of the Bolitho Shield to finals day and the two semis saw Truro face West Cornwall and Mullion take on St Austell. Morgan Craven - pictured above - set the pace for Truro as he claimed the all important 3/4 point which would set the teams apart if the other 6 members were tied. As it transpired none of his team mates were beaten with wins for Jared Mortimore, Cameron Gurd, Laura Andrew and Olivia Trewelha. There were halves for Emily Wilson and Thomas Stephens against Jordan Musitano and Casey Olds as Truro claimed a comfortable victory 5.75 - 1.
The other semi was a little closer as Mullion beat St Austell 4.75 - 2 with wins for the former from Connor Flynn, Dan Ferrie, Gavin Hearne and Jim Lee. St Austell's winners were Ewan Warren and Ollie Watson.
The final therefore was between Truro and Mullion and again Craven took the key first match beating Flynn. Jared Mortimore and Joe Reynard gained halves with Rhys Kerton and Connor Davidson respectively so at that stage there was still all to play for. However, when Gurd and Trewelha both recorded good wins against Ferrie (5&4) and Lee (6&5) Truro had an unassailable lead. Freddie Norris restored some pride for Mullion with a 3&1 win over Emily Wilson and Hearne earned a half in his game with Andrew.
The final score Truro 4.25 - 2.5 Mullion. Truro's winning team is pictured below (L to R: Morgan Craven, Jared Mortimore, Emily Wilson (Capt), Cameron Gurd, Laura Andrew, Thomas Stephens and Olivia Trewelha. Absent: Joe Reynard)
In the 3rd and 4th place playoff St Austell beat West Cornwall 4.75 - 2
Truro v West Cornwall Matchsheet
Mullion v St Austell Matchsheet
Truro v Mullion Matchsheet
St Austell v West Cornwall Matchsheet
In the Kernow Cup four three man teams had reached the finals and the two semis saw China Fleet face Truro Albatross whilst their clubmates Truro Birdies took on Bowood Park. China Fleet were forced to concede one point to the opposition from the start only being able to field two players but the brother and sister duo of Lewis and Asleigh Woolaway almost pulled off an improbable victory. Lewis beat Josh Hodge 1 up and Ashleigh went to the 19th hole before succumbing to Ricardo Sanchez.
The Truro Birdies team beat Bowood Park 2 - 1 with wins for Liam Wilson and Bradley Page whilst Bowood's Toby Alford got their point.
This set up the all Truro final and it was the Birdies team who came out on top 2 - 1. Wilson won again beating Josh Hodge 2&1 before Sanchez levelled the match with a 4&3 win over Page. The deciding point came from Archie Andrew when he beat Sam Rogers 5&4. The winning team are pictured below with CGU Juniors President Alan Lund (L to R: Bradley Page, Archie Andrew and Liam Wilson)
Bowood Park and China Fleet agreed an honourable half in the 3rd and 4th place playoff.
Truro Albatross v China Fleet Matchsheet
Truro Birdies v Bowood Park Matchsheet
Truro Albatross v Truro Birdies Matchsheet
West Cornwall Retain Brian Gripe Trophy
Brian Gripe Junior Summer Knockout Final, 15th August 2016, Carlyon Bay GC
West Cornwall GC Juniors yesterday - pictured above - retained the Brian Gripe Trophy when they defeated Truro in what was an exceptional final . Having won the competition last year their team were determined to try and retain it and whilst successful in the end they were pushed all the way by a very plucky young Truro team. The final produced a feast of excellent golf to watch for the neutral observer and a right nailbiting experience for the partisan follower as it went all the way with three of the 5 singles matches going to the 36th hole and one going further. (Picture L to R: Tristan Barnes, Hannah Body, Bradley Barnes, Casey Olds and Finn Rule)
Carlyon Bay GC once again very kindly hosted the final on a glorious sunny day with the course presented in excellent condition. With firmer surfaces than of late a strengthening breeze made shot selection difficult throughout the day both into and downwind. Nevertheless the 10 juniors involved all dealt admirably with what was thrown at them.
With 36 holes to play it was always going to be a long day although as they set out there was little indication of what was to follow.
With stunning views over a deep blue sea which rarely distracted the players the morning round was a close affair with the intervening lunch break suggesting the match was far from over. At the break in Game 1 Bradley Barnes (West Cornwall) was all square with opponent Joe Reynard (Truro), Finn Rule was one up on Cameron Gurd, Tristan Barnes was all square with Thomas Stephens and Josh Hodge was 1 down to Casey Olds. In the only one sided encounter West Cornwall’s Hannah Body was 5 down to Liam Wilson.
Bradley Barnes game was nip and tuck with Reynard and when the latter squared the match again at the 12th it appeared he was in the ascendancy. Barnes got away with an unlikely half at the next after going through the par 5 in two shots and finding an almost unplayable lie from which he managed to hack out and then get up and down. The pair halved the 14th in birdies before Barnes won the 15th with a par. Again out of position on the next he fashioned a further par to go 2 up and another up and down at the 17th saw him get the first point on the board for West Cornwall.
In the meantime Wilson had continued his good morning’s work for Truro and had gone on to defeat Body 8&7. His teammate Hodge who had been down at the break had turned his match around against Olds and moved to a 4&3 win, giving Truro the edge at that point, and needing just one more for an overall win. Where that point was going to come from though was anyone’s guess. It looked like the decider would come from Rule and Gurd’s equally nip and tuck encounter, whilst Stephens had gone 4 down with five to play against Tristan Barnes.
Nevertheless Stephens displayed enormous character and with two pars and two birdies had levelled his match after 17 holes taking four on the bounce. At the par 3 closing hole Stephens found the greenside bunker with his opponent Tristan playing a fine shot into the heart of the putting surface. Stephens splashed out to three feet, and then watched his opponent putt to a distance which was conceded. Needing the putt to keep the match alive Stephens agonisingly shaved the hole to lose. Anyone watching will have seen the agony on Stephens face and will have felt for him after a great fightback. Meanwhile the broad smile on Tristan’s face disguised a degree of relief.
Up ahead though and still going was the decider between Rule and Gurd. The pair had finished the second 18 holes all square and by now had teed off on the 1st for the third time in the day. Rule going first hit a long drive whilst the dominutive Gurd was shorter. Into a strong breeze Gurd could only hit his second in to the front right bunker. Rule howvere hit a towering 8 iron which never left the pin and came down some 10 feet short. Gurd pitched out onto the green but still some 35 feet from the hole. Displaying great courage and talent the 13 year old Gurd exceuted a moment of pure magic as struck a beautiful putt which traversed the green and dropped. The fist pump which followed was not in any way arrogant but instead demonstrated how much it mattered to him. The stunned Rule, some 3 years older, still had a putt to win the hole but this one stayed out and the hole was halved in 4s.
Again Rule’s additional strength saw him put a long drive down but never the one to be fazed Gurd followed up with a good drive of his own although reaching the green was out of the question. Nevertheless he hit a good second coming up some 30 yards short right. Rule again stepped up to the plate and hit another exceptional second which came to rest some 15 feet beyond the pin. To the delight of onlookers Gurd yet again demonstrated his good short game chipping to 6 feet. With Rule comfortably in for 4 Gurd needed another to drop. On this occasion however the putt lipped out and West Cornwall had the overall victory.
CGU Juniors President Alan Lund - pictured above with Bradley Barnes - presented the prizes after the two teams had dined together. He thanked Carlyon Bay for once again offering their course to the CGU and paid tribute to the great golf he had seen for himself as well as the excellent spirit in which the match had been played. Anyone who was there will know this was a special day for all concerned. He observed that all of the 10 players involved have represented the county at various levels already.
Truro Junior Organiser Gary Andrew said “Because of other things going on I was forced to select a younger team than I might have done but this was a quite astonishing match and both teams delivered with very high quality golf. It was a pleasure to watch and be part of and I am very proud of our young guns - the future is bright not only for Truro but also for Cornwall”.
The West Cornwall’s Junior Organiser Tony Haddy was very pleased with his team’s win humbly claiming he was just the driver who had brought some of them to the course. The truth of course is far from that as he has continued the good work associated with the West Cornwall Club’s many juniors.“I am still new to this role but what a day - it was exciting wasn’t it?”
Truro Juniors Perform Well at Frilford
England Golf Junior Champion Club Final, 1th/12th August 2016, Frilford Heath GC.
Truro’s three man junior team put in a good performance last week in the final of the England Golf Junior Champion Club which was staged over the Frilford Heath GC, nr Oxford in an event forming part of England Golf Week 2016. The team are pictured above (L to R) Josh Hodge, George Bray and Ricardo Sanchez.
Josh Hodge, Ricardo Sanchez and George Bray all contributed counting scores in the two round stableford competition where on each of the two days the lowest score is discarded.
On Day one Sanchez was the best performer returning 38 points to which was added the 33 scored by Hodge. Bray scored 31. This saw the Truro team placed 4th at the halfway point on a team total of 71.
On Day two hopes were high for a similar performance. Hodge scored a consistent 37 but on this occasion it was to be the score of Sanchez 3(31) which would be discounted as he failed to reproduce his day one form. Bray stepped up with a 32 point score which meant a total of 140 for Truro.
Ultimately this dropped them two places in the field to 6th spot amongst the 33 competing junior teams, but nevertheless they can be proud of the manner in which they represented their club and county. The winners were Long Ashton GC, Glos with a team total of 147.
U18s Narrowly beaten by Devon
Roy Greenaway Trophy Cornwall v Devon Friday 12th August 2016, Launceston GC
After sharing the morning spoils (2.5 - 2.5) with Devon, the Cornwall U18s could not find enough from the 10 singles matches and went down 8-7 overall.
Report to follow .....
U16s and U14s to play Somerset at Trethorne
Both the Cornwall U16 and U14 teams will face Somerset in their respective Ben Enoch Salver and Jack Roberts League matches at Trethorne GC on Monday 22nd August 2016.
U16s Manager Gary Andrew has made two changes to the team which lost to Dorset last month with Lewis Woolaway and Tristan Barnes coming in for Rhys Kerton and Lewis Bradley.
The full team is: Finn Rule (Captain, West Cornwall), Tristan Barnes (West Cornwall), Lewis Woolaway (China Fleet), George Leigh (Trevose), Joe Reynard, Cameron Gurd, Jack Andrew (Truro) and Freddie Norris (Mullion).
Meanwhile U14 Manager Simon Wood retains the team which gained an excellent win away to Dorset at Remedy Oak GC last month. Wood's U14 team is: Ewan Warren (St Austell, Captain), Morgan Craven, Liam Wilson, Thomas Stephens, Josh Hodge (all Truro) and Zack Cook (Perranporth). Named as reserve is Bradley Varcoe (St Austell).
Frilford Heath Challenge for Truro Juniors
England Golf Junior Champion Club, 11th-12th August 2016, Frilford Heath GC
Three Truro juniors will this week head to Oxford this week to compete in the finals of the England Golf Junior Champion Club event. Having qualified for the final back in April this year courtesy of their win in the Duchy qualifier staged at St Austell, the three will be looking to perform on the national stage against other county qualifiers. The event takes place as part of England Golf Week and is staged over the Green Course at Frilford. The host club are an Open Championship qualifying venue, a European Tour School qualifying venue and are staging England Golf Week for the second consecutive year.
The Truro team of Ricardo Sanchez, Josh Hodge and George Bray - pictured above after their April 2016 win with Junior Organiser Gary Andrew - will play a practice round on Wednesday before earnest competition starts on the Thursday when they tee off from 1100.
Other counties will be represented by three players (boys, girls or mixed) with maximum playing handicaps of 28 for boys and 36 for girls. The winning club will be the one with the highest aggregate net stableford score over 36 holes, taking the best two of three scores in each round.
So good luck to George, Josh and Ricardo!
You will be able to follow their scores here
U18s To Play Devon This Week
Roy Greenaway Trophy Cornwall v Devon Friday 12th August 2016 Launceston GC
The Cornwall U18 Boys team face Devon this week in the Roy Greenaway Trophy has been named by Team Manager Andy Mortimore.
The team is:Jared Mortimore (Capt, Truro), Ben Browning, George Leigh (Trevose), Joe Reynard (Truro), Finn Rule, Bradley Barnes (West Cornwall), Tom Chapman (Tehidy Park), Simon Hobbs (Bowood Park), Chris Turner, and Jamie Barton (Launceston.
Fresh from a great win away to Somerset at the back end of last month the U18s have the chance to seal the trophy by beating Devon.
The action gets underway at 0930 with the morning foursomes followed by ten afternoon singles matches. Good Luck team!
George Does Himself Proud
Cornish Junior George Leigh (Trevose) put together a fine performance last week in the English Boys' Under 14 Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship (Reid Trophy) at Porters Park GC nr Watford.
The prestigious championship is played over 3 days with 54 holes of stroke play, 18 holes being played on each day. After 36 holes, the leading 70 competitors and all those tied for 70th place played a further 18 holes on the third day. This year there were a total of 162 players from across Europe as well as the United States, South Africa and Malaysia.
George started with a 7 over 77 which had promised better earlier in his round. Starting on the 10th he was level through his first 12 holes before being derailed somewhat by a treble bogey. Round 2 was a better affair as a 3 over 73 saw him comfortably make the cut and move into day 3.
Another 3 over 73 saw him move up 13 spots into a tied 18th finish - in both the gross and nett elements to the event. Leigh's total of 223 was just 11 shots behind the winner, England's Conor Gough (Stoke Park) on 212.
George's performance will yet again have attracted the attention of England Golf. Well done young man!
No Joy for Cornish Reps at SEBO
South of England Boys Championship Yeovil & Sherborne GCs 2nd/3rd August 2016
The three Cornish juniors who took part in last week's South of England Boys Championship did not enjoy the best of fortunes.
Joe Reynard (Truro) was the best of the trio finishing in 42nd spot in the 66 man field after four rounds left him on an 18 over par total of 304.
Barnes finished 57th on 313 and Rule 62nd on 321.
In the U16 element Reynard was 9th and Rule 15th.
The event was won by Dorset's Tom Plumb (Sherborne) after he returned 4 sub par rounds to finish 12 under on 274.
Under 18s Crush Somerset
Roy Greenaway Shield Somerset U18 v Cornwall U18 Thursday 28th July 2016, Mendip Spring GC
On a day of mixed weather at a very well presented Mendip Springs Golf Club, Cornwall took on Somerset yesterday.
Jake Alcock was called into the side at the last minute when Jon Rowe had to drop out after breaking his collar bone putting him out for 6 weeks.
The morning foursomes saw the West Cornwall duo of Finn Rule & Brad Barnes finding it tough at the front as their opposition were 3 under through 13 and the pair went down 6&5. Junior Captain Jared Mortimore and County Champion Tom Chapman had a solid 3 & 2 win as did Ben Browning & Simon Hobbs. This was followed by a narrow defeat for Jamie Barton & Joe Reynard 1 down. Their birdie on 18 was not enough to earn a draw as Somerset followed them in for birdie also, in the final match the debut duo of Jake Allcock & Cameron Gurd - pictured below - won the 18th hole and their match 1 up and this ensured Cornwall took a 3 - 2 lead into the afternoon singles. A good start!
The afternoon singles started in some heavy rain causing some greens to hold water but thankfully this cleared after about an hour. The weather did not seem to affect Jared & Kobe Adams who exchanged a number of birdies as they completed sub par 18 holes in less than 2 & 1/2 hours! Who said golf is a slow game?! Teeing off the par 3 18th one up Jared put it in close to about 7 feet with Kobe putting at the back of the green some 45 feet away. It looked like Cornwall would take the first point but Kobe landed one final blow rolling the ball across the green for birdie which led to a deserved half when Jared's ball horseshoed around the hole.
This match was followed by seven straight wins for the Cornwall boys, 6 of them coming at the 17th with great up and downs from the green side bunker by Ben & Joe to ensure their points. Finn won 17 with a great birdie, Brad, James and Simon all made good good pars on 17 to win their matches, Tom after missing his chance to win on 17 made a solid par on 18 to seal a two up victory. After their great win in the morning Gurd and Alcock found the singles slightly tougher as Cameron lost on 17 after a very competitive match which saw him fight back from being three down early doors to take a one shot lead just after the turn. Jake's match went all the way to the 18th before he lost 1 down after the lead had changedhands on a number of occasions.
All in all this meant a crushing victory for Cornwall and sets up a deciding match against Devon at Launceston in August nicely. A win for the Duchy would see them claim the Greenaway Shield.
Team manager Andy Mortimore said "It was a great team performance with everyone contributing to the score, I was very proud of the boys and we can look forward to our final match against Devon with some confidence"
Under 16s Beaten in Dorset
Ben Enoch Salver Dorset v Cornwall Wednesday 27th July 2016 Kinghton Heath GC, Dorset
The Cornwall U16 team who played away in Dorset yesterday losing their match 7 - 5.
(L to R): Jack Andrew, Joe Reynard, Lewis Bradley, Finn Rule, Freddie Norris, Rhys Kerton, George Leigh and Cameron Gurd.
The morning foursomes saw the strong pairing of Joe Reynard and George Leigh play excellent golf and win 4&2. Cornwall captain Finn Rule led by example and bonded well with debutant Cameron Gurd to record a fine 4&3 win. The Mullion Frank Wills pairing of Rhys Kerton and Freddie Norris played steady golf but lost out 3&1. With all the other matches very even on handicaps, Lewis Bradley (10) and Jack Andrew (7) found themselves out against a 5 & 7 Dorset pairing, and you could see the difference with the Cornwall pairing going down 4&3.
With the match at 2 points all, it was all to play for in the afternoon and Cornwall got off to a great start, Finn Rule was under par and dispatched his opponent 2&1. Another superb sub par round came from Joe Reynard who won handsomely 8&7. George Leigh found his playing partner in inspired five under par which led to a Dorset 4&2 win. Cameron Gurd was up against a very powerful driver of the ball and was three down early in his match. However, Cameron just stuck to his game plan and got it back to one with some rock solid golf, before eventually losing out 2&1. Nevertheless a fine U16 debut performance. Rhys Kerton was not on his A game and struggled going down 6&4, Freddie Norris found himself 3 up early on, but his Dorset opponent dug in and came out with an eventual 4&3 win. Another Under 16 debutant Jack Andrew played superb golf and gained his first ever point with an excellent 3&2 win. Lewis Bradley impressed again with his temperament and course management, but found himself 1 down with one to go at the par three 18th. Despite a solid three for him, this was matched by his opponent.
Team Manager Gary Andrew said "I was very pleased with the team spirit, the golf played and the course management shown by the lads. You cannot account for the Dorset lad playing 5 under gross, but well done to him, top golf. Our last singles match could have gone either way, on the 17th Dorset were in trouble, but again a great recovery shot from the rough was the difference. The overall match could have been so easily a draw. I was really pleased with debutants Cameron Gurd and Jack Andrew who stepped up excellently."
Under 14s Win Away to Dorset
Jack Roberts League Dorset v Cornwall Wednesday 27th July 2016 Remedy Oak GC, Dorset
The Cornwall U14 team pictured after their impressive 5-4 win away from home at the beautiful Remedy Oak GC in Dorset.
(L to R); Thomas Stephens, Zac Cook, Morgan Craven, Ewan Warren, Liam Wilson and Josh Hodge.
The Cornwall’s under 14 team were up against a Dorset team playing at the fantastic Remedy Oak Golf Club in Dorset. The course was absolutely stunning and provided a very close content between two good teams.
In the morning 9 hole foursomes, the first pairing of Ewan Warren and Morgan Craven lost a very close match 1 down, as did econd pairing Josh Hodge and Zack Cook, who lost 1 down after a fantastic up and down from their Dorset opposition.
Tom Stephens and Liam Wilson played some solid golf to win the third foursomes match 2 and 1 and Cornwall were losing the match 2 matches to 1 at lunch time.
In the afternoon singles, Cornwall started brilliantly with impressive wins for Warren (3 and 2) and Craven (5 and 4). Wilson lost in the third match against an inspired opponent before Zack Cook won his match 5 and 3 to have Cornwall leading 4 matches to 3 with two matches left on the course.
Tom Stephens was 1 Up after 16 holes and made two impressive pars to finish with to complete a 2 Up win before Josh Hodge lost his match 2 down and it all ended with a 5 matches to 4 win for Cornwall.
Both team played very good golf and the match was played in a great spirit and ended with a magnificent result against tough opposition.Thanks must go to the host club for the condition of the course and the hospitality extended to everyone involved in the match.
The final match in the Jack Roberts trophy for Cornwall is against Somerset at Trethorne Golf Club on Monday 21st August and the team are very much in the running for winning the Jack Roberts trophy for 2016.
Under 18s to play Somerset
The Cornwall U18s will be in action tomorrow (Thur 28th July 2016) when they travel to play Somerset at Mendip Spring GC in the first of their Greenaway Trophy matches.
The players selected to represent Cornwall are: Jared Mortimore (Truro,Capt), Ben Browning (Trevose), Joe Reynard, Cameron Gurd (Truro), Finn Rule, Bradley Barnes (West Cornwall), Simon Hobbs (Bowood Park), Jamie Barton (Launceston), Tom Chapman (Tehidy Park) and Jake Alcock (Lanhydrock). Alcock comes into the team to replace the injured Jon Rowe (Bowood Park).
Rule, Gurd and Reynard will travel direct to Mendip Spring from Dorset where they will have represented the Duchy U16s the day before - see below.
Under 14 and Under 16 Teams to face Dorset
Both the Cornwall U14s and U16s will be playing Dorset away tomorrow (Wed 27th July 2016) The U14 team will play their Jack Roberts League counterparts at the magnificent Remedy Oak GC, nr Wimborne whilst the U16s take on their opponents at nearby Knighton Heath GC, Bournemouth.
The U14 team is led by Ewan Warren (St Austell), and he is joined by Morgan Craven, Liam Wilson, Thomas Stephens, Josh Hodge (all Truro) and Zack Cook (Perranporth).
The U16 team playing in the Ben Enoch Salver are Finn Rule (West Cornwall, Captain), Freddie Norriis, Rhys Kerton (Mullion), Joe Reynard, Cameron Gurd, Jack Andrew (Truro), George Leigh (Trevose) and Lewis Bradley (Bowood Park).
Good Luck to both teams!
Mortimore Competes in Carris Trophy
England Golf Open Amateur Strokeplay Championship, Hunstanton GC, Norfolk, 19th-22nd July 2016
Cornwall County Junior Captain Jared Mortimore (Truro) was on the road again last week as he competed in the English Boys Open Amateur Championship which took place over 4 days on the very flat links championship course at Hunstanton GC on the North West Norfolk coastline. The course is rated in the UK's Top 100.
It was not his finest hour though as a first round 84 followed by an 85 saw him miss the halfway cut by some margin.
George Leigh does Well in MacGregor Trophy
England Golf Boys U16 Open Amateur Championship, Royal Ashdown Forest GC, Surrey. 12th-14th July 2016.
Cornwall's George Leigh (Trevose) performed very well last week having secured a spot in the prestigious English Boys Open Amateur Championship which took place at Surrey's Royal Ashdown Forest GC over three days. Playing for the MacGregor Trophy in a 144 man field with players from a number of european countries, Leigh carded an opening 5 over par 77.
In round 2 he hauled himself up the leaderboard with an excellent one over par 73 which included a birdie at his 18th hole. This finish comfortably got him inside the 36 hole cut mark which came at plus 8, a figure achieved by 51 players.
On the final day and with 36 holes to play Leigh was progressing nicely in Rd 3 after an outward 1 under par 35. However the back 9 holes cost him dearly as he came in with a further 43 shots making a round total of 78. This dropped him from his overnight tied 23rd position into 35th spot. His final round was a 3 over 75 which left him in the same tied 35th spot on 303, some 22 shots behind the winner, Denmark's Rasmus Hojgaard on -7 (281).
The consolation for 14 year old Leigh was a tied 13th spot in the U15 element to the event.
Well played George!
Cornwall U14 and U16 Teams named for Dorset Fixture
Dorset v Cornwall Ben Enoch/Jack Roberts Leagues 27th July 2016 Knighton Heath & Remedy Oak GC
The Cornwall U14 and U16 teams to face Dorset in separate matches on Wednesday 27th July 2016 have been named. The U16 team will play their Dorset counterparts at Knighton Heath GC whilst at the same time the U14 team will play at Remedy Oak GC.
Gary Andrew U16 Team manager has named his 8 man team as: Joe Reynard, Cameron Gurd, Jack Andrew (all Truro), George Leigh (Trevose), Finn Rule (West Cornwall), Rhys Kerton, Freddie Norris(Mullion) and Lewis Bradley (Bowood Park)
Team manager Simon Wood's 6 man U14 team is: Ewan Warren (St Austell, Captain), Morgan Craven , Liam Wilson, Thomas Stephens, Josh Hodge (all Truro) and Zack Cook (Perranporth).
Cornwall Girls Pip the U12 Boys
Cornwall U15 Girls v Cornwall U12 Boys St Austell GC Sunday 10th July 2016 - Report by Dave Watson.
The Cornwall Golf Union continued the development of the U12 squad today as the 'smaller' squad took on the Cornwall U15 girls at St Austell Golf Club. The weather was good, with the strong breeze holding the rain at bay despite the occasional touch of the wet stuff. The teams are pictured above.
The match consisted of 9 holes of Greensomes and then 9 holes of individual match play. Once again Will Price (Perranporth), and his vice captain Archie Andrew (Truro), led from the front. Despite losing their Greensomes against the talented Kira Barnes and Katie Jenkin (West Cornwall), they managed to score a valuable 1 1/2 points in the singles. Next up were the impressive Jago Carkeet (Mullion) and Charlie Ward (Launceston) matched against in form Lucy Williams (St Enodoc) and Maisie Drewett (Mullion). The boys managed a hard fought clean sweep with 3 points from the matches.
Experienced Jack Warren (St Austell) was paired up with rookie Will Sercombe (Falmouth) against honorary girls Alex Minter (Falmouth) and Jonty Jenkin (West Cornwall). With Alex and Jonty taking the Greensomes, they also dug deep to take 1 1/2 points from the singles with Alex winning impressively. Sam Rogers (Truro) and Harry Richards (St Austell) played Lucy Warne and Erin Giles and came away with a win in the Greensomes, with Harry also winning his singles. Lucy Warne put in an impressive performance to beat Sam Roger 2&1.
Last out were rookie Matthew Hooper (Truro) and the youngest player on the field Hugo Watson (St Austell). This was an intriguing match up as Hugo's sister Maddie also made her debut along with Cornwall U14 player Will Kingdon stepping into the girls ranks. Maddie and Will handsomely won their Greensomes, and then went on to both win their singles.
So with the girls winning the Greensomes 3 - 2, and the singles halved the result was a narrow win for the girls team 8 - 7. However the real winner was golf today, as all the children enjoyed the matches, played them in a great spirit and showed the strength that we are developing in our juniors in Cornwall.
Many thanks to St Austell Golf Club for hosting the match, providing first class catering and presenting a course in great condition.
The Cornwall U12 Boys are pictured below with CGU Juniors President Alan Lund
Cornish Boys Suffer at Bristol & Clifton
SWCGA Boys Championship, Bristol & Clifton GC, Thursday 7th July 2016
Cornwa
The Cornwall team (L to R): Simon Hobbs, Jon Rowe, Tom Chapman, Finn Rule, Jared Mortimore (Capt), Bradley Barnes, George Leigh and Joe Reynard.
The SWCGA Boys Championship at Bristol & Clifton GC yesterday turned out to be a disappointing one for the Cornwall team - pictured above - as they finished 5th out of the 6 competing counties on a total of 759 as the nominated 6 players combined for what was ultimately a 36 hole 59 over par total. That left the Duchy 38 shots behind winners Wiltshire who now travel to the Boys County Finals for the third year running.
Cornwall had taken 8 players to the championship but the competition conditions demand each county names 6 players to compete towards an aggregate team total in order to determine the winner. In the end it was Junior County Champion Tom Chapman (Tehidy Park) and Jon Rowe (Bowood Park) who were omitted from the nominated 6 although both remained eligible to compete.
In a field of 53 players Chapman finished a respectable 29th with rounds of 75 and 78 over the undulating parkland course. Rowe meanwhile did not fare so well with rounds of 79 and 80 for 40th spot.
Cornwall’s nominated 6 did not get off to a good start and after round 1 their combined 380 total was tied with Somerset at the bottom of the pack. Best scorers for Cornwall in the morning were County Junior Captain Jared Mortimore (Truro) and Simon Hobbs (Bowood Park) who both registered 74s. This left them in 17th and 16th spots respectively. George Leigh (Trevose) scored 76, with Finn Rule (West Cornwall) and Joe Reynard (Truro) both scoring 78s. West Cornwall’s Bradley Barnes signed for an 82. Individual leader at the halfway mark was Gloucestershire’s Harrison Ottley-Woodd with a stunning 6 under par 64. Wiltshire assumed the halfway lead in the team event - a position they were not to be deposed from.
There would be a mountain to climb for the Cornish boys if they were to get anything out of the day at all. Ultimately the nominated 6 were only able to improve on their team score by the one shot in round two and finished with a 379 total. Mortimore improved on his morning round by two shots with a 72 and finished 11th in the individual. Rule gained 5 shots on his 1st round with a 73 for 22nd spot. Leigh improved by one with a 75 but Reynard and Hobbs drifted out further shooting 80 and 81 respectively. Barnes at least returned a score in the 70s with his 79.
Overall Cornwall’s 759 total saw the team finish in 5th spot two shots ahead of bottom placed Somerset.
Chapman shot a second round 78 and Rowe an 80.
Ottley-Woodd fell away in his second round as he shot 78 and was passed by several players the best of whom was Wiltshire’s Jake Bolton whose rounds of 70 and 67 saw him capture the individual prize on a 3 under par 137.
CGU Juniors President Alan Lund was philosophical afterwards. “Yes, on reflection the day is tinged with disappointment but there are some positives. Our combined handicaps were higher than most of the other teams and we are not flushed with experience at this level. Having said that we will retain four of our number in this age group next year and they will be better equipped as a result. Additionally because the CSS went up by 2 some of the team will take handicap cuts based on today and those are the positives to focus on.”
Team Manager Andy Mortimore said "On a positive note four of the eight squad members came away from the experience with handicap cuts and we did finish one place higher than in 2015 and closed the gap on Devon, and with the number of quality young players coming through to join the likes of Finn, Joe & George I feel we will be in a strong position to win on home soil in 2018." (The 2018 event will take place at Perranporth GC)
Ewan Excels at English
English Schools Championship, Woodhall Spa GC, Wednesday 6th July 2016
St Austell GC were the Cornish representatives in yesterday's English Schools Championship hosted by England Golf over the Bracken Course at the national governing body's headquarters in Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire. With a team of 3 players Ollie Watson, Zac Rogers and Ewan Warren it was the latter who returned with the plaudits after he carded an exceptional 39 points to finish 4th in a 102 player field.
The report which follows comes with thanks to the irrepressible Dave Watson!
Imagine 3 adults, 3 excited teenagers, a 700 mile journey, 5 sets of golf clubs, an ex DJ and his dodgy sound track, a snake, a strange hotel, and a VW..... Obviously it is a road trip to Woodhall Spa, the home of England Golf.
Ollie Watson, Zac Rogers and Ewan Warren were picked to represent Penrice Academy, and Cornwall, in the English National School Championships.
Due to play the practice round on Tuesday at 4pm, we managed to charm our way onto the course for a much more civilised 10am tee time. The Bracken Course did not disappoint, it was superb - beautifully manicured with long testing tee positions and greens that were true and quick. Little did the players realise that the tees were to be moved further back for the main competition, adding considerable distance to some already long carries!
The actual tournament was played on Wednesday, with young Ewan starting the whole tournament by driving off the first tee. Despite a nervy first shot, his stunning approach shot made for a par 4. This set the tempo for our young Cornishman as he carded a remarkable 39 points, earning an individual 4th place overall! Not bad from 102 golfers!!
Ollie played a steady round after a tough first four holes. After overcoming these initial problems, Ollie produced some great scrambling but was only able to produce 30 points, 6 short of his previous day's score.
Zac hit what was arguably his finest ever tee shot off the first tee. Despite the adulation from the onlooking female competitors, the tough course and fast greens took its toll, with Zac only managing 25 points.
Taking the 2 highest stableford scores, Penrice Academy led the competition with 69 points for more then an hour but slid down to 5th at the halfway point. The afternoon tees featured some specialist golf colleges, and experienced teams who were partly responsible for the final position of 11th. However 12th place nationally is not to be sniffed at, as our players conducted themselves beautifully and were a credit to school, club and county alike.
Did Dave explain the snake?!! ***** enquiries reveal one such elongated, legless, carnivorous reptile was located slithering around the hotel!!
Junior Orders of Merit Updated
The Junior Orders of Merit have been updated after the third series of events and can be seen on the side bar to this page.
In the main Junior OoM Bradley Barnes is the current leader with 28, followed by Finn Rule (26) and Jamie Barton (25.5)
The U16 Scratch OoM is led by Lewis Bradley on 32.5 whilst Finn Rule (32) and Zack Cook (28) are hot on his heels.
In the U16 Handicap OoM there are joint leaders in Ben Lamb and Marcus Wilkins both on 37 with Zack Cook third on 28.
All three OoMs are made up of the same 9 events this year with a players best 5 from those 9 counting.
The next event is the Junior Open at St Austell on 17th July 2016.
Team Named for SWCGA Boys Championship
After the conclusion of last Sunday's Junior County Championship at Tehidy Park, the Cornish team to play in the South Western Counties Golf Association Championship at Bristol & Clifton GC on Thursday 7th July 2016, was named.
Junior County Captain Jared Mortimore announced the names of those selected and these included new Junior County Champion Tom Chapman.
The Cornwall Boys team is: Jared Mortimore (Captain, Truro), Bradley Barnes, Finn Rule (West Cornwall). George Leigh (Trevose), Joe Reynard (Truro), Jon Rowe, Simon Hobbs (Bowood Park) and Tom Chapman (Tehidy Park).
The SWCGA Boys Championship is a strokeplay over 36 holes and doubles up as the Qualifying Round for The English Boys’ County Championship. On the day each of the 6 competing counties has to nominate a team of six players from the eight players entered. The best five scores are then taken on each round with the County returning the lowest aggregate score from these being declared the winner and representative of the South West for the national finals in late August at Cumberwell Park GC, Wiltshire.
Chapman Pinches Junior County Championship Title Win
CGU Junior County Championship Sunday 19th June 2016 Tehidy Park GC
Tehidy Park GC’s Tom Chapman (above) is the 2016 Junior County Champion after he out together two fine rounds of golf over his home course yesterday in what can only be described as difficult wet conditions which persisted virtually from the outset and throughout the day.
17 year old Chapman scored a morning 75 which was matched by recently crowned U14 champion George Leigh (Trevose) but at the conclusion of the first round they trailed by one shot from Truro’s Joe Reynard who despite the prevailing wet weather compiled an excellent 74 to top halfway proceedings. His 74 was made up of 10 pars, three birdies and just the one double bogey. As it transpired it was however not to be Reynard’s day.
Chapman’s morning round had just the two birdies but he managed to limit the damage, on a day where survival was key, with 11 pars and hid dropped shots were limited to single ones. Leigh was in good shape as he scored 12 pars and one birdie.
The afternoon round got underway after committee deliberation and the use of squeegees on a handful of greens (thank you Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service, Andy Mortimore & Gary Andrew!).
From the early starters it was County Junior Captain Jared Mortimore who made his move first following his morning 78 with a pm 74. Leigh faltered as he fell away with a 79 but then Bowood Park’s Jon Rowe returned a second round 72 - the low round of the day - to add to a morning 80. This had Mortimore and Rowe tied at the top on 152 and facing the prospect of a play off. Chapman however, came in with a 76 to clinch the title by the one shot.
Chapman was delighted. “Everyone needs a pat on the back for even completing today. I am pleased to have won this in my last year as a junior and to win it here at Tehidy is very special.”
West Cornwall’s Bradley Barnes finished 4th overall (76 + 78) and Leigh was 5th.
Rowe’s afternoon round was enough to see him claim top spot in the nett element to the competition with a nett total of 144. Second nett went to his clubmate Simon Hobbs (145) and 3rd to Cameron Gurd (Truro 146).
There was consolation for Leigh - pictured above with CGU Juniors President Alan Lund - though as he retained the U16 Championship he won last year at Newquay. 2nd to him was Gurd (82 + 76) whilst 3rd place went to Finn Rule (West Cornwall (81 + 82).
The U16 nett was closely fought and indeed dominated by Tehidy players. First prize was won by Matthew Lamb (132) who pipped older brother Ben by the one shot (133) whilst 3rd spot was won by diminutive 12 year old Lee Chambers (135). The Lamb brothers are pictured above.
Cornwall Juniors President Alan Lund presented the prizes. He congratulated all those who had persevered and completed the scheduled two rounds of the competition in the difficult conditions. He urged the juniors to be inspired by some of the names on the Junior Championship trophy and named current men's County Captain David Kneebone as well as Harry Hall a previous 3 time winner. Hall had popped into Tehidy Park GC earlier that day in order to see the first groups off on their round prior to heading to Remedy Oak GC, Dorset where today he takes part in Open Championship regional qualifying. Lund thanked Tehidy Park GC for their hosting of the event and the arrangements they had made to ensure the day was a success.
Other pictures show Bradley Barnes George Leigh and Jared Mortimore with Harry Hall, Finn Rule with Harry Hall and a delighted to finish Ewan Warren.
YES CORNWALL HAS AN U12s TEAM TOO!
U12s v U14s Sunday 12th June 2016 St Enodoc GC (Holywell Course)
And here they are pictured in their new kit!
Yesterday saw the inaugural match of the revamped U12 Cornwall Team as they took on the U14 Development squad on the Holywell Course at St Enodoc Golf Club.
The 14 man teams were superbly led by Bradley Varcoe (U14 - St Austell) and William Price (U12 - Perranporth) as they both drove confidently straight up the middle of the first fairway. Both teams included youngsters, one as young as 9, that were experiencing county honours for the very first time. Naturally there were some initial nerves but these quickly evaporated as the quality of the golf on show shone through.
The U14 team - pictured above - came out eventual winners, perhaps as one may expect considering the difference in size. However the U12 team played superbly, leading to a tense finish on the 18th green surrounded by parents and players. Maybe if one of the close chips had holed for the U12’s it may have been a different story…
Both Dave Watson (U12 manager) and Simon Wood (U14 manager) were delighted with the attitude and dedication of the players involved. It would seem that the youth ranks are going to continue to provide some fine golfers for Cornwall.
Finally, many thanks to St Enodoc Golf Club for allowing the match to be staged on their lovely short course, and to Tony Pitts from St Austell who kindly sponsored the match balls. Very much appreciated.
Some other images from the day
All pictures courtesy of S Wood & D Watson
SWCGA U14/U16 Championship
South Western Counties Golf Association U14 /U16 Championship – Honiton Golf Club, Devon
On a wonderfully presented Honiton GC course, the early morning strong northerly winds gave the South West's best young golfers something extra to think about. The fact the standard scratch moved up three at the end of the day was a good indication the field found the tight course a real challenge.
Winners overall were Wiltshire with a team aggregate total of 543, some 9 shots ahead of Dorset (552) and Devon (554).
There were mixed fortunes for Cornwall’s young guns, Captain Finn Rule (85) was uncharacteristically out of sorts, but George Leigh (76) and Joe Reynard (78) then steadied the ship somewhat. Rookie Finn Pearce (90) and Jack Andrew (89)also struggled with the conditions. With four more rookies to come in, Cornwall were lying in last place, but some solid rounds from Cameron Gurd (77), Morgan Craven (81), Ewan Warren (81) and Lewis Bradley (84) saw Cornwall move up to a creditable fourth place on 562, marking an improvement on last year’s result.
U16 Team Manager Gary Andrew said 'Yes there was an improvement on last year but I think we could have performed better. I know we are moving in the right direction as a county. We were very happy with the team's attitude and also with the input from PGA Coach Jason Avery (St Mellion). Well done lads, you were a credit to your County.'
Leigh - the newly crowned Cornwall U14 Champion - finished in 6th place overall but his 76 earned him a 2nd place in the U14 category competing for the Ray Lawford Trophy. Gurd's 77 saw him in 3rd place in the U14 element.
The Cornwall team are pictured below. (L to R: George Leigh (Trevose), Thomas Stephens (Truro, reserve), Lewis Bradley (Bowood Park), Morgan Craven (Truro), Finn Pearce, Ewan Warren (St Austell), Finn Rule (West Cornwall), Cameron Gurd, Joe Reynard and Jack Andrew (Truro).
Leigh is U14 County Champion
Trevose GC junior George Leigh - pictured above with CGU Juniors President Alan Lund - yesterday became U14 County Champion when he shot a gross 71 at Truro GC.
On a warm day with sunny periods and a course in excellent condition, 42 U14s from clubs across the county competed for the title as well as handicap prizes. This number was made up of 35 juniors with CONGU handicaps plus a further 7 with handicaps from 37-54. The former group played 18 holes of strokeplay whilst the latter played an 11 hole stableford.
Leigh started with a birdie at the first and then a run of pars but a double bogey on the 6th and a bogey at the 9th saw him out in a 2 over 35 shots. His back 9 started with 5 straight pars but back to back bogeys at 15 and 16 followed by two finishing pars meant another two over half of 36 for the 4 over total of 71. Whilst he felt he could have played better he was however the stand out and expected winner in the field as his closest challenger, the host club's Jack Andrew was 4 shots back with a 75. Fellow Truro junior Cameron Gurd was third with a 76, with two other Truro juniors in Liam Wilson and Thomas Stephens 4th and 5th respectively on 77 and 80.
The best U14 nett score was an excellent 58 from West Cornwall's Jack Kevern (above) who playing off 27 returned a gross 85 to win the nett prize by 5 shots from Louis Ratcliffe (Falmouth 83-20=63). In third place was Charlie Ward (Launceston 92-27=65).
In 2015 this competition had a number of competitors who played in a handicap bracket of 29-36 but this year there were no such entries. There were however 7 juniors in the 37-54 bracket. The winner of this group was 7 year old Tiernan Wallwork (above - Tehidy Park) who scored 20 points in the 11 hole stableford..His score was enough on countback to pip 11 year old Sam Hawkey (Treloy) also on 20 whilst third place went to 8 year old Thomas Miller (Newquay) on 19.
Juniors President Alan Lund presented the prizes and thanked Truro GC for their hospitality in staging the event as well as praising the excellent condition of the course. He reminded those present of the Junior County Championship taking place at Tehidy Park GC on Sunday 19th June 2016.
All the U14 prizewinners with Alan Lund (L to R): Tiernan Wallwork, Jack Kevern, Charlie Ward, Jack Andrew, George Leigh, Louis Ratcliffe, Cameron Gurd, Sam Hawkey and Thomas Miller.
Other pictures to follow
Team selected for SWCGA U14/U16 Championship
With the Winter OoM concluded the selections have been made, by U14 Manager Simon Wood and U16 Manager Gary Andrew, for the forthcoming South Western Counties Golf Association U14/U16 Championship taking place at Honiton GC on Thursday 2nd June 2016.
Seven of the 9 Cornish players selected earned their positions in the team as a direct result of their finishing positions in the Winter OoM. The final two places are selected by the respective managers.
Each of the competing 6 counties can enter teams of 9 players, three of whom must be U14 and the field is limited to 54 players. The competition is 18 holes of strokeplay and Cornwall's Finn Rule (West Cornwall) will tee off first in the event at 10.00am that day. The event is a qualifier for the England Golf Boys County Championship Finals which take place in late August at Cumberwell Park GC, Wiltshire.
The Duchy Team is; Rule, Joe Reynard, Cameron Gurd, Morgan Craven, Jack Andrew (Truro), Lewis Bradley (Bowood Park), Finn Pearce, Ewan Warren (St Austell) and George Leigh (Trevose).
Live scores will be available on the day via the SWCGA website .
Cornwall U16s also draw away to Devon
Ben Enoch Trophy Devon v Cornwall Sunday 22nd May 2016 Holsworthy GC
Emulating the U14 team who played at the same location on the same day the Cornwall U16 team (above) had a good away draw to host county Devon at Holsworthy GC on Sunday.
In the morning foursomes Joe Reynard was out first partnered by George Leigh,and the pair played excellent golf to win 3&2. West Cornwall’s Finn Rule and Tristan Barnes found themselves up against it and went down 3&2. The rookie pairing of St Austell’s Finn Pearce and Ollie Watson impressed, they manage to get 4 up with 4 to play but were pegged back by Devon for a half. Another rookie pairing consisting of Truro’s Ricardo Sanchez and Bowood Park’s Lewis Bradley, combined well and played lovely golf but just lost out 2&1.
With Devon leading 2.5 – 1.5 at lunch, the afternoon singles were scintillating, Cornwall’s first four players George Leigh (2&1)), Finn Rule (5&4), Joe Reynard (5&3) and Tristan Barnes (3&1) all won their matches and all was looking good, with just one more point needed for a victory. Devon then showed their grit and had a run with Finn Pearce (3&2), Ricardo (4&3) and Ollie (3&1) all going down.
So all the pressure rested firmly on rookie Lewis Bradley’s shoulders. He was one up on 17 and safely on the green for two, his opponent missed the green, but a superb up and down meant going up the 18th as Lewis two putted. With a large crowd following, both players had good drives and second shots, but the third shots in on the par five was the difference, Lewis unfortunately went through the green and Devon put his into three feet to win the hole and halve the match.
Gary Andrew, Under 16 Cornwall manager commented “ I was over the moon today with the attitude of the lads, the experienced players made the rookies feel welcome and there was a great team bond. We have been working hard on pre-shot routine and course management in training and it showed on the course today.
I would have taken a draw before the match as Devon are always tough opponents. However I am slightly disappointed with the result, as I felt we had the upper hand on them today just needing another half point, but it was a great birdie on the last from the Devon lad.
I am really upbeat about the upcoming fixtures as we are looking strong this year”
Cornwall would like to thank Devon for a match played in great spirit and also thanks to Holsworthy Golf Club, the courtesy practice round was much appreciated. The course was in superb condition and we were made to feel very welcome.
Cornwall U14s comeback to draw away to Devon
Jack Roberts League Devon v Cornwall Sunday 22nd May 2016 Holsworthy GC
The Cornwall’s under 14 team - pictured above - were up against a very strong Devon team playing at the beautifully presented Holsworthy Golf Club on Sunday 22nd May in their first Jack Roberts League match of the season. And very well they did to draw the overall encounter 4.5 each. (L to R: Zac Cook, Josh Hodge, Cameron Gurd, Jack Andrew, Ewan Warren, Morgan Craven, Liam Wilson & George Law)
In the morning 9 hole foursomes, Josh Hodge and Zac Cook lost their match 3 & 2, but a fine win by Jack Andrew and Cameron Gurd levelled the proceedings. In the final match Morgan Craven and Ewan Warren found themselves 1 down with one to play but a fine par on the tricky ninth gave them a fine halve. The reserve pairing of Liam Wilson and George Law won their match 3 & 2.
In the afternoon singles, Devon flexed their muscles early on with their 2, 3 and 6 handicaps beating Cameron Gurd, Jack Andrew and Ewan Warren respectively on the 15th green, despite the Duchy boys playing under handicap.
Being three matches down, Cornwall dug in deep and staged a brilliant come back with Morgan Craven, Josh Hodge and Zac Cook all winning their matches to earn a fine overall draw. In the reserve matches, both George Law and Liam Wilson lost their matches 2 & 1.
Well done lads, the match was played in a great spirit and a magnificent result against very tough opposition.Thanks must go to the host club for the condition of the course and the hospitality extended to us.
Final U14/U16 Winter Order of Merit (after Rd6) - Reynard and Gurd are winners
On the same day as County Week got underway at Newquay GC, the U14/U16 Winter Order of Merit came to an end at Tehidy Park GC.
And before he headed off to Newquay Joe Reynard (Truro) closed out the U16 OoM whilst clubmate Cameron Gurd took the spoils in the U14 OoM.
On the day - and pictured above with CGU JUniors President Alan Lund - the winner was Bradley Varcoe (St Austell) who returned a fine 82 gross off his 19 handicap for a nett 63, some 10 shots clear of the second placed Morgan Craven (Truro) with a nett 73. Will Price (Perranporth) also shot a nett 73. Lowest grosses of the day came from Finn Rule (West Cornwall) and Reynard, whilst Cameron Gurd's nett 74 was just what the doctor ordered in the OoM standings
In the six event Winter OoM the final standings were complete. Reynard retained his spot at the top of the U16 OoM with Rule (2nd), Lewis Bradley (Bowood Park) 3rd and Finn Pearce (St Austell) 4th.
Gurd became the U14 OoM winner with Craven runner up, Ewan Warren (St Austell) 3rd and Jack Andrew (Truro) in fourth place.
Pictured below are the OoM winners with Alan Lund. (L to R: Lewis Bradley, Cameron Gurd, Joe Reynard, Ewan Warren, Finn Pearce and Morgan Craven.
U14/U16 Winter Order of Merit Rd5
Monday 2nd May 2016 Bowood Park GC
Joe Reynard (Truro), pictured above, was the winner of the Bowood Park Junior Open after he returned a four over par gross 76. The win also moved him back to the top of the 6 event U14/U16 Scratch Winter Order of Merit. Former leader Lewis Bradley (Bowood Park) shot an 85 but this only gained him a share of 4th place behind 2nd placed Morgan Craven (Truro) with an 83. Ollie Watson (St Austell), Zack Cook (Perranporth) and Cameron Gurd (Truro) all registered 84s. Gurd's score moved him up to 3rd place in the OoM.
The final event in the Winter OoM takes place at Tehidy Park GC on Sunday 15th May 2016.
The Order of Merit is based on a players best 4 scores out of the 6 counting events and the final standings will be used in determining the Cornwall team for the South Western Counties U14/U16 Championship taking place at Honiton GC, Devon early next month.
U14/U16 Winter Order of Merit Rd4
Sunday 24th April 2016 The Point at Polzeath GC
Pictured above with CGU Juniors President Alan Lund are the winners of Round 4 of the Junior Winter Order of Merit event staged at The Point at Polzeath GC on Sunday. Back row; Alan Lund, Finn Pearce, Finn Rule. Front row; Morgan Craven, Cameron Gurd and Liam Wilson
Stars of the show were Finn Rule (West Cornwall) and Cameron Gurd (Truro) with Finn Pearce (St Austell) and Liam Wilson (Truro) not far behind. Rule and Gurd both returned good scores of 77 (5 over par) with Rule pipping Gurd on countback alone. Pearce and Wilson returned 79 and 81 respectively and their reward was the top two places in the nett element.
The CSS for this event went up one from 72 to 73.
The results mean Lewis Bradley (Bowood Park) maintains his spot at the top of the Winter Order of Merit with 29.5 points but Rule has moved up from 9th place to 4th, just 4 points behind Bradley. Joe Reynard (Truro) retains second spot on 28 with Tristan Barnes (West Cornwall) moving up into 3rd place on 26.5. With two counting events to go and with 15 points available for outright wins the OoM remains wide open with any number of players in contention.
The next Winter OoM event is at Bowood Park GC on Monday 2nd May with the final event taking place at Tehidy Park GC on Sunday 15th May 2016.
The Point at Polzeath Results
Order of Merit after 4 events
U14/U16 Winter Order of Merit Rd 3
Friday 8th April 2016 Launceston GC
Hot on the heels of the SW4C Tournament at Yelverton over the previous two days came the Junior Open at Launceston GC yesterday. One of the Cornwall Team Ben Browning (Trevose) defied the odds and returned an excellent 67 the lowest gross score of the day.Playing off 3 gave him a nett 64 which on most days would have claimed top spot.
However the winner on the day was Bowood Park's Lewis Bradley - pictured above - who stole the honours as he registered a gross 75 off his 12 handicap for a nett 63. in terms of the U14/U16 Winter Order of Merit this earned him maximum points and he leads the table after 3 events. Despite dropping shots at the first and second holes and making a double bogey at 16, three birdies all on par 4 holes ensured a good return for the 15 year old, who comes from good golfing stock. Grandfather John Bradley was Cornwall Amateur Champion in 1976 and 1977. Father Neil is a single figure golfer too.
Next best Cornish junior was Mullion's Rhys Kerton who scored 79, a score matched by Morgan Craven (Truro).
As stated Lewis leads the OoM with 28 points. Joe Reynard (Truro) is second on 24 and Ewan Warren (St Austell) third on 21.5.
Order of Merit after 3 events.
The next Winter OoM event takes place at The Point at Polzeath GC on Sunday 24th April and any juniors wishing to take part should contact Simon Wood.
South Western Four Counties Junior Tournament
Day 2 Yelverton GC, Devon
Pictured above is Simon Hobbs contemplating his all important putt on the 18th at Yelverton GC yesterday
Day 2 of the South Western Four Counties Junior Tournament provided a tense climax to the series of round robin matches for the Matchplay Shield. Recent memory failed to identify when this last happened but after each of the four counties participating had completed their 3 matches Cornwall, Devon and Dorset were all tied. With the existing rules scrutinised the organising committee determined the shield would be shared amongst the three counties. Somerset finished in 4th place.
Whilst the Cornish juniors were arguably mildly disappointed - as they came within a whisker of claiming an outright victory - so were the other two counties after a day of fluctuating fortunes and any number of possible permutations as to the outcome. In overall terms the juniors should be happy as the two teams they ended up in contention with both fielded players with combined handicaps lower than Cornwall. In the case of Dorset their 8 man team handicaps totalled just 13, for Devon it was 21 and for Cornwall 26.
Having beaten Devon on Day 1, the opponents for the Duchy yesterday morning were Somerset and Cornwall ran out comfortable winners by a 5 - 2 margin and the two losses came in games 1 &2 as Jared Mortimore went down 2&1 to Taylor Stote and Ben Browning lost 3&2 to Kobe Adams. What followed though was a yellow wave of victories. Joe Reynard despatched Jack Partridge by 6&5, Finn Rule took care of William Warman 3&2 and George Leigh continuing his excellent form beat Seb Church 4&3. Simon Hobbs claimed another victory as he beat Tom Roach 3&2 and when the foursomes pairing of Jamie Barton and Bradley Barnes beat Charlie Camper and Miles Richardson by the odd hole a fine team performance was sealed.
In the other Day 2 morning match Devon beat Dorset 4 - 3. Cornwall thus had two victories in the bag with Devon and Dorset one each. The Duchy knew that an outright victory over Dorset in the afternoon would seal the matchplay shield in their favour but that knowledge gave no indication of the tension which was to follow.
An afternoon of classic matchplay and fortunes followed with the result in the balance right through to the last putt at an extra hole and even then the outcome was uncertain for the combatants.
Bradley Barnes drives at the 3rd at Yelverton GC
Certainly in the early stages of the afternoon Cornwall had real grounds for optimism. Mortimore was two up through 11 holes against Dorset’s Tom Plumb. With Browning all square through 11, Rule, Leigh and Hobbs all up in their matches and the foursomes pairing of Barnes and Barton 3 up through 4 holes the signs were promising.
As the afternoon unfolded in dry but cool conditions things began to shift slowly in the direction of Dorset.
Joe Reynard (pictured above) was having a tough time of it all against the Dorset Captain George Carroll and succumbed to a 7&6 defeat to put the first point on the board for the opposition. Shortly afterwards Mortimore’s match also went the way of Dorset as his opponent Tom Plumb finished strongly overturning Jared’s earlier lead and creating a 2&1 win for himself.
Things were now happening all at once. Rule was still 1 up after an excellent sand save at the par 3 12th. Next through on that hole was George Leigh (pictured above chipping at 12) and a good chip and putt par earned him the hole and a 4 up lead. With Hobbs still ahead in his match news filtered through that Barton and Barnes had been hit by a four birdie barrage in five holes from Dorset and were now 1 down. To those watching it was clear already there would be a tight finish and things could go either way.
Leigh moved inexorably on to another win as he despatched his opponent Bradley Cox 6&5. Browning’s match was still alive although he had gone one down. However an excellent iron to the par 3 17th delivered a win to get him back to all square. His drive on 18 found trouble left and despite making the green with a good third shot he was beaten by his opponent Adam Harris with what looked like a solid par. Cornwall were now 3-1 down.
At much the same time though Rule closed out Joe Turner 2&1 to bring the score back to a 3-2 deficit for the Duchy. There was no doubt the final singles match (between Hobbs and Steffen Foley) and the foursomes would be crucial. Cornwall needed to win both.
Hobbs had gone through 14 holes and was ahead but losses at 15 and 16 left him all square. A poor tee shot at the par 3 17th left him one down. Foley found the fairway bunker and Hobbs who looked down and out summoned an excellent tee shot up the middle. Foley could only splash out with his second. Hobbs struck a good second to the green and although Foley putted up close with his 4th shot Hobbs tapped in for a win to bring the match all square.
Foley and Hobbs made the long walk back to the par 3 1st hole in the play off. Neither hit the green but after a chip it was Hobbs who holed a 10 footer for par with his opponent a little closer. When Foley missed Hobbs had won his third singles match on the bounce and well and truly despatched the memory of the strokeplay. It was a performance which earned him praise from Team manager and Team mates alike.
Whilst Hobbs was winning at the 19th the foursomes match was coming up 18 all square after winning two holes back to back. With the busy A386 intervening between these holes there was difficulty all round for players and spectators alike as they sought to be in two places at once. Both tee shots found trouble although with Dorset forced to play their second up the 2nd fairway and Cornwall having to chip out sideways from trouble odds favoured our opposition. Barton found the fringe of 18 with the teams third shot as did Dorset with theirs. Both pairs two putted for the half and then with everyone watching they too went all the way to the first tee.
Barnes missed the 1st Green pin high left whilst Dorset found the front right fringe. Amidst rising tension Barton chipped but went some 15 feet past the hole. Dorset calmly rolled their putt close and when Barnes made a good effort but missed Dorset holed out to claim the 4-3 win in the match.
With Devon having beaten 'wooden spoonist's' Somerset 5-2 it transpired the three counties could not be separated hence the tied 1st place for Cornwall, Devon and Dorset.
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Played | Won | Lost | Fixture Points | Individual Points |
| 1. Cornwall | 3 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 12 |
| 1. Devon | 3 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 12 |
| 1. Dorset | 3 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 12 |
| 4. Somerset | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 6 |
It had been a good event overall for Cornwall. Team Manager paid tribute to his team saying “I am proud of all of them. We have punched above our weight and whilst the strokeplay was a little disappointing we have given everything in the matchplay. Simon Hobbs and George Leigh have done particularly well. Simon won all three of his singles and George won the two he played in as well as his foursomes.”
Devon GU Past President Mike Jewell thanked Yelverton GC for their hospitality and for staging the event. He congratulated all those who had taken part and made reference to the success of this particular event over the years. He thanked the Devon and Cornwall Secretaries, John Hirst and Chris Pountney for their contribution to and management of the event.
The 2017 SW4C Championship will take place next April at Weymouth GC.
Other pictures from Day 2 show: Jamie Barton driving at the 2nd, It was a cold afternoon as Bardley Barnes demonstrates, Barnes recovers from the gorse, Simon Smith looks on, Jared Mortimore putts at the 11th, Ben Browning follows his putt on 12, Finn Rule makes an up and down from the bunker on 12, George Leigh on 13, Barnes hits approach to 14, Joe Reyanrd and George Leigh support their team mates, Simon Hobbs from left of 16, Team Manager Andy Mortimore and the Hobbs watch intently, as do the team at the first playoff hole.
Day 1 Yelverton GC, Devon
Cornwall Juniors today started the South West Four Counties Championship at Yelverton GC, Devon when the team of 8 played a medal strokeplay for the SW4C Shield. Others taking part were host county Devon, Dorset and Somerset. It was to be a day of mixed fortunes.
In the strokeplay with the best 6 scores from the 8 to count it was Dorset who came top of the pile with an aggregate team total of 466, 7 shots ahead of runners up Devon on 473. Cornwall were just squeezed out of that second spot by one shot as they came in 3rd on 474. Somerset finished 4th on 481.
In the Cornish team led by Junior County Captain Jared Mortimore (Truro), Launceston’s Jamie Barton replaced the injured Jon Rowe (Bowood Park). The team are pictured above (L to R): Finn Rule, Simon Hobbs,Ben Browning, Jared Mortimore, George Leigh, Andy Mortimore (team Manager), Joe Reynard, Bradley Barnes and Jamie Barton.
Mortimore was out first on Wednesday morning in a strengthening cold wind and with isolated showers making for testing playing conditions. Jared returned a 76 which at that point appeared to be a good benchmark in the conditions. Playing in the same group though was Taylor Stote (Somerset) and his 72 was the best score of the day.
It was George Leigh (Trevose) who was the Duchy’s best performer as the 13 year old registered a 73 - the second best score of the day - to generate a further handicap reduction (CSS up by 2 to 73) in what has already proved to be a good year for him. It was to prove a good day for George, who birdied both the first and the last holes in his round.
Best individual score of the morning came from Somerset’s Taylor Stote with a 72.
The rest of the Cornwall Boys did not fare so well. Ben Browning (Trevose) managed a 79 but on a day when over half the field shot scores of 80 or higher damage limitation did not quite work for the Duchy. Joe Reynard (Truro) and Finn Rule (West Cornwall) returned 81s, Barton an 84, Bradley Barnes (West Cornwall) an 84 and Simon Hobbs 92.
Strokeplay scores
Team scores
The afternoon saw the first of the round robin matchplays with Cornwall taking on Devon and Dorset playing Somerset. The format dictates 6 singles played in handicap order and one foursome. The morning Strokeplay was quickly forgotten and the Cornish team set out in determined fashion as the cold wind continued to make conditions difficult. Throughout the match the team appeared to be on top and at one point were up in 5 of the 7 games. The final result would however be much closer!
For the Duchy Mortimore faced Tom Trowbridge in the top match and this pair had a ding dong tight tussle which Mortimore won by the odd hole. Browning brought home a second point for the team as he birdied the 17th to win 2&1 against George Bryant. A strangely out of sorts Barnes was at one point 6 down but fought back hard before being closed out by 4&2 to Harrison King. When Devon’s Danny Guy beat Reynard 3&1 the match score was level. At this stage the foursomes match, with Leigh and Barton pitted against James Reed and Bradley Scott, was 2 in favour of the Duchy.
Rule had been three up after 14 holes on Sam Keyte but that entire lead was wiped out as the latter made a great sand save on the last hole to square the game before going on and winning at the 1st extra hole. Simon Hobbs put his morning behind him and registered a 3&2 victory over the host club’s Matt Cooper. So the match scores were tied at 3-3.
Barton and Leigh lost both the 15th and 16th holes to pars which meant their game was now all square. Both pairs made bogey fours at the par 3 17th so with both teams looking on it was to the 18th.
Devon, with the honour, made a mistake and a leaked right tee shot found trouble. Barton struck a long tees shot carrying the fairway bunker and leaving Leigh with a clear shot to the green. Devon were forced to come out sideways and played their third to the front fringe of 18. Leigh who had birdied the hole in the morning stepped up and hit a shot nicely into the middle of the green. Devon were forced to make a run at the hole but missed and this left Barton to calmly step up and knock in the 10 footer for a birdie 3, a win for the pair and a win for Cornwall by 4 matches to 3 over Devon.
In the other match Dorset beat Somerset 5 - 2.
On Thursday morning Cornwall will play Somerset and in the afternoon face Dorset.
Cornwall v Devon Result Sheet
Pictures above show: Jared Mortimore putts at Yelverton, Bradley Barnes from the bunker, Joe Reynard at the par 3 12th, Jared Mortimore tees off at 17, Finn Rule watches on the 15th, Simon Hobbs plays into 14, Joe Reynard on 17, Jamie Barton plays the second shot on 15, George Leigh strikes the pose on 16, Barton and Leigh look on, Barton holes that winning putt!
Truro Capture Junior Champion Club
Truro GC's Juniors were kept waiting and on tenterhooks for some hours at St Austell GC yesterday before discovering they would be representing Cornwall in the England Golf Junior Champion Club Finals at Frilford Heath GC in August this year.Having been early starters in the 11 club field of 3 players per team they were forced to wait until the very last card was returned and even then their fate was publicly revealed as a victory by the narrowest of margins, one solitary stableford point, which dashed the hearts of the host clubs juniors who themselves played very well.
The Truro trio of George Bray, Ricardo Sanchez and Josh Hodge, - pictured above (L to R) with Team Manager Gary Andrew - combined to an aggregate team total of 111 points to pip St Austell who finished on 110. The two clubs were some way ahead of the remainder as third place went to Perranporth on 94. Truro qualified for the finals for the second time in 3 years having previously done so in 2013.
Conditions at St Austell were predominantly dry with the occasional heavy shower dousing the 33 youngsters. Hodge was the first man out for Truro and he returned a solid 33 points and when Sanchez and Bray both came in with excellent 39s the team knew they had set a high benchmark with their 111 total. St Austell's Ewan Warren got his team off to a great start as he recorded 38 and when number two Ollie Watson registered a 31 they knew only an exceptional score form last man Zac Rogers would be good enough for them. Out in the final group Rogers so very nearly delivered as he came in with the best individual score of the day, 41 points to leave his team agonisingly close to having qualified.
Perranporth's 94 point tally was generated by Danielle Price (32), younger brother Will Price (25) and George Law (37).
Tehidy Park's Stephanie Curnoe recorded the best girl's score on the day with a 40 point total.
Truro's Josh Hodge spoke on behalf of the team and thanked St Austell GC for hosting the event. Team Manager Gary Andrew was clearly delighted and said "The boys all played really well today and to be going to the finals again is great for Truro Golf Club and for the three juniors. We are already looking forward to it."
Pictures above show L to R: Rhys Kerton (Mullion) drives at the first, Will Price (Perranporth) chips at the 9th, Stephanie Curnoe (Tehidy Park) chips at the 10th, Katie Jenkin (West Cornwall) hits a lovely shot into 12, George Bray (Truro) fights trolley and rain on 12, George Harrow (Killiow) on 12, Tom Chapman (Tehidy Park) plays from the bunker on 12, Oscar Pringle (Killiow) watches his chip on 16, and Josh Hodge putts at the 16th.
U14 Tour Matches v Dyfed and v Glamorgan
As part of their short Easter tour, the Cornwall Juniors took on Dyfed on Wednesday 30th March 2016 at Glyn Abbey GC, Llanelli. Judging by the look of this very smart team they enjoyed themselves despite narrowly losing the match 9.5 - 8.5.
Back row L to R: Bradley Varcoe (St Austell), Jack Andrew (Truro), Ewan Warren, Zac Rogers (St Austell), Morgan Craven, Josh Hodge (Truro) Front Row: Archie Fox (Falmouth), Zak Cook, Thomas Stephens, Archie Andrew, George Law (Truro) and Will Price (Perranporth)
Heavy rain had accompanied the juniors on the M5/M4 journey to South Wales the previous evening and as a result the golf course was very wet underfoot for the U14 match against Dyfed on Wednesday 30th March. Despite those ground conditions, the greens were in great condition and it proved to be a very exciting match.
A massive thanks must go to the green staff and owner of Glyn Abbey Golf Club for being able to provide a course ready to play as the juniors played 9 holes of foursomes match play followed by 18 holes singles against their Welsh opponents.
Dyfed had one junior ill so had 11 juniors rather than 12. This meant Tom Stephens and Josh Hodge played a foursomes match against Dyfed’s Sam Truman who played as a single. Despite taking on the Cornish pair alone he played very solid golf and won the match 3 and 1.
The other foursomes matches, other than an emphatic 5 and 4 win for Bradley Varcoe and Archie Andrew, proved very close and despite being up in three of the games after 6 holes, the remaining four foursomes were all halved. This meant a 3 match all tie at lunch..
The Dyfed front order included three Welsh squad juniors and they proved to be very strong players as Dyfed claimed the first five singles games. Josh Hodge put the first point on the board for Cornwall in the singles against a stand in player for Dyfed and started an extraordinary comeback for the Duchy. In the last four matches there were strong wins for Will Price (9 and 8), Bradley Varcoe (6 and 5), Archie Andrew (6 and 5) and Zac Rogers (7 and 6).
At this point the match score was 8 points apiece with George Law and Archie Fox still on the course.
Law was 1 down after 16 and made a magnificent up and down on 17 to win the hole and square the match going down 18. Both George and his opponent had 15 foot putts for par on the last and both came close but halved the hole to square the match.
This left Archie Fox to conclude the match and despite a valiant effort, Archie lost 2 and 1 and resulted in a narrow win for Dyfed by 9.5 matches to 8.5 matches.
The match was played in great spirit and the Cornwall team would like to thank all the officials at Dyfed Golfing Union for their hospitality and Glyn Abbey Golf Club for allowing the match to go ahead.
Dyfed v Cornwall Match Sheet
After the narrow defeat to Dyfed, Cornwall took on Glamorgan Under 14's at Llantrisant and Pontyclub Golf Club on Thursday 31st March. It was a lovely sunny day and the course was in good condition. The handicaps of both teams were very similar so another close game was expected.
The morning foursomes was again very close with Cornwall going into lunch with a 3.5 - 2.5 lead. Ewan Warren and Morgan Craven won 3 and 2, George Law and Will Price won 4 and 2, the two Archie's Fox and Andrew combined to win 1 up and Tom Stephens and Zack Cook halved.
The top of the afternoon singles was a tight affair, with three of the first four matches halving their games with both Jack Andrew and Morgan Craven coming from a couple down to gain half a point each for Cornwall. Josh Hodge also halved and with Ewan Warren going down 4 and 3 the overall match was all square.
Wins for Stephens (4 and 3) and Cook (3 and 2) put Cornwall back in control and when Will Price (who was top scorer on the tour with 3.5 points out of 4) won his match 4 and 3 victory was within sight.
George Law lost 2 and 1 in a close game and Archie Andrew was beaten by 5 and 4.
Archie Fox battled well for a well deserved half and it left Bradley Varoce to come down the 18th and hole the winning putt for Cornwall courtesy of his 2 up win. In the last match Zak Rogers won 4 and 3.
It was a fantastic way to end the tour and made the 250 mile trip home much more enjoyable. Cornwall would like to thank Glamorgan for their hospitality and for the host club for making us feel so welcome.
Glamorgan v Cornwall Match Sheet
There was some excellent golf played by the Cornwall team and the short tour proved to be enjoyed by all. Now the team can begin to look forward to the Jack Roberts League matches later in the summer against Devon, Dorset and Somerset.
Other pictures to follow .....
Tristan Triumph as Trethorne hosts U14/U16 Order of Merit
In a late change forced by the previous two days bad weather, organisers had to move the scheduled Order of Merit event from Honiton GC. They were delighted at short notice to secure the competition at the very hospitable Trethorne GC on what was a changeable day packed with frequent and unpleasant squalls.
With the weather a tough factor, the pressure was added for the youngsters as they played the East Cornwall parkland course off the very challenging blue tees. This however did not put off West Cornwall's Tristan Barnes who returned an excellent 78 to lead the scratch competition. He was followed by Lewis Woolaway (China Fleet) on 80. Third place was claimed by Truro's Joe Reynard - pictured below - on 81 and his finishing position was good enough to see him take over at the top of the OoM after two events. Ewan Warren (St Austell) also returned an 81 as did Lewis Bradley (Bowood Park).
Bradley's nett score of 68 was enough to see him win the handicap competition on countback from Zac Rogers (St Austell). Barnes finished with a nett 69 as did Woolaway, with Finn Pearce (St Austell) on nett 70.
Warren moves into second place in the OoM with Barnes third.
OoM Standings after two events
Ladies too Strong for the Boys!
County Boys v CLCGA Ladies West Cornwall GC Sunday 28th March 2016
The CLCGA Ladies team well wrapped up in victory at West Cornwall on Sunday!
As part of their continued preparation for the South West Four Counties event at Yelverton in April this year the County Boys took on the County Ladies at a dry but chilly West Cornwall on Sunday. The match played off handicap saw the boys pairings giving a number of shots, something that proved ultimately too much for them to overcome as the Ladies team played a better and higher standard of golf overall.
The first match saw Jared Mortimore & Ben Browning fighting back from 4 down to be only one down playing 18. However, they lost the final hole and the match to Georgia Price & Megan Giles 2 down. In game 2, the home duo of Finn Rule & Bradley Barnes also had to fight back from 4 down, They were successful though as a win on the 18th gained them a well-deserved half with Wendy Briggs & Jan Harrison.
Jordan Musitano & Joe Reynard found the Ladies County Captain Nikki Hodge & Jan Sargeant formidable opposition as they were well beaten by a 5&4 margin. The Bowood Parl pairing of Jon Rowe & Simon Hobbs found themselves pegged back to a half after leading for most of the match against Emily Wilson & Olivia Trewhela. Rhys Kerton & Jake Alcock ddi themselves no harm as they won a close match with Danielle Price & Gemma Marsland 2&1. In the last game Cameron Gurd & Tristan Barnes lost to Bev Vann and Jo Body by 3&2.
The final result was a 4 -2 win for the County Ladies.
Manager Andy Mortimore said “This was another good test for the boys especially playing the foursomes format which is one important element at the Four Counties. The match gave me the chance to try a couple of foursomes pairings for Yelverton. I would like to thank the Ladies for what was a good day and also West Cornwall Golf Club for hosting.”
Nikki Hodge said "Well done to my team. There was some great golf played and this bodes well for the county season ahead. I have to say a big thank you to my Vice Captain Sue Roworth for her support and organisation of the match."
Barnes Storms it Again!
CGU Junior Winter Order of Merit Perranporth GC Thursday 18th February 2016
The winners of today's Junior Winter Order of Merit event staged at Perranporth GC, pictured from L to R with Alan Lund, CGU Juniors President elect, overall winner Bradley Barnes (West Cornwall), Joe Reynard (Truro) and Jon Rowe (Bowood Park)
In this - the winter of our weather discontent - it was a pleasant surprise that event 2 in the U14/U16 Winter Order of Merit went ahead yesterday in much better conditions at Perranporth GC. On what was described as a glorious but cold half term afternoon, a total of 35 juniors took part in the second of a series of events aimed at the U14/U16 group but which is also open to older juniors too. With the first event having to be cancelled because of inclement weather this was the first official chance for the lower age groups to shine in a series designed to assist team selection for the coming season.
Understandably perhaps it was one of the older boys who claimed the plaudits as West Cornwall’s Bradley Barnes continued to raise his profile with an excellent 43 stableford points which saw him win the handicap element by 5 clear points from Truro’s Joe Reynard and Jon Rowe (Bowood Park) who both returned 38s.
They were not the only players to return good scores as the trio of Finn Pearce, Ewan Warren (both St Austell) and Ben Browning (Falmouth) all scored 36 whilst Lewis Bradley (Bowood Park) and Zack Cook (St Austell) returned 35s.
The consolation for 14 year old Reynard was he finished as top U14/U16 year old and takes an early lead in the OoM, with a three point advantage over Finn Rule (West Cornwall) and Warren.
Perranporth results - Handicap & Scratch
U14/U16 Winter Order of Merit standings
U18s Tie with Devon
U18 Friendly Devon v Cornwall Wednesday 17th February 2016 Saunton GC (East Course)
In what is a busy half term week and fresh from the match versus the County Seniors on Monday our U18s travelled to Saunton yesterday to take on Devon in the annual friendly fixture. And despite getting wet and windswept the boys can count themselves pleased after tying scores with their opponents at 283 points each in the best 10 scores from 12 stableford format.
The match took place on a golf course in great condition, and which all the boys thoroughly enjoyed playing. Whilst enjoying the course the first couple of hours weather was far from enjoyable with rain falling in a strong cold breeze which made playing conditions very tough. Despite this and with some respite later in the day there was some very good scoring.
The overall match was remarkably tied at 283 points each - although counting all 12 scores the Duchy boys can claim a moral one point victory! And considering none of our team had played Saunton previously this was a great performance.
Highlighting for the Cornish juniors was West Cornwall’s Finn Rule who amassed 38 points and Jon Rowe (Bowood Park) who scored 32 points. Fellow Bowood Park junior Simon Hobbs managed 29 as did Jamie Barton (Launceston) whilst County Junior Captain Jared Mortimore scored 28. Devon's leading players were Tom Trowbridge who also had 38 points, followed by Bradley Scott with 34 points and Matt Cooper with 31 points.
Devon Manager Grahame Moore said “I must congratulate Cornish U18 Manager Andy and the Cornish boys for their performance, considering none of them had played the course before”. The Cornwall Juniors Captain Jared Mortimore congratulated his team on what was a very well earned tie.
Andy Mortimore said "I am very pleased by the overall performances from the juniors at Saunton and Trevose, I am sure with the coaching input they will receive this year and the continued desire to be in the team will make the selection for the Four Counties a difficult process for the management team. Well done again a great couple of days”
Thanks go to Saunton Golf Club, for allowing us to play on their Championship course, to the green keeping staff, the catering and bar staff, all who helped make it a great day, despite that weather.
Scores
Age No Barrier as the CGU Seniors beat the U18s
For the second time in what has become an annual fixture, the Cornwall Seniors played an early season match against the Cornwall Juniors yesterday at Trevose G&CC. On a rare sunny , windy and cold day the match was very keenly contested. The result saw the elders of Duchy golf claim a just reward and some revenge for their defeat in last year's inaugural match.
In this half term week, Andy Mortimore the U18 Team Manager had selected a strong junior team in the run up to tomorrows pre-season friendly with Devon at Saunton and a serious competitive match against the Seniors proved very worthwhile.
In the first match the group of Simon Harper, Mike Ellis, Jared Mortimore & Ben Browning got off to a great start with five birdies in the first three holes to leave the senior pair 1 up this high standard was replicated through all the groups with plenty of birdies and even a couple of eagles.
The first four matches saw the Juniors secure an early 3.5 lead, albeit all four games reached the 18th green.
It all looked good for the juniors as Jared Mortimore & Ben Browning turned their match around to win on the 18th, this was then followed by another win on the 18th by young guns Joe Reynard & George Leigh who beat Alan Creber & Colin Ross when Joe Reynard rolled in a 12 foot putt for par for a 1 up victory. Bradley Barnes & Finn Rule failed to hold on to their one hole lead on the 18th when David O’Mahony & Mike Wigley made to half the match. Mike Marshall & Rod Frost also found the juniors too strong as Simon Hobbs & Jon Rowe made a solid par to maintain their 1 up lead.
However, the strength, in depth, of the senior squad then began to tell in the final matches, all four being won by the “used, but still good” oldies. Former county champion Charlie Phillips & Duncan Powell won the 18th to finish 2 up against Tom Matthews & Connor Davidson, this was quickly followed by a win on the 17thby Rob Stacey & Ross Durkin over Jamie Barton & Rhys Kerton and with Paul Clahane & Andy Rowe winning 4 & 3 over the two youngest players in the field Jack Andrew & Cameron Gurd, this left the match tied. In the last match the Seniors were one up coming down 18 and when the senior pair of Alan Poole & Trevor Ashton secured a par and the junior pair of Tristan Barnes & Freddie Norris saw their birdie putt shave the edge of the hole from 12 feet it was the seniors who had won this very closely contested match.
This all meant the final result was Seniors 4.5 -3.5 Juniors
Mike Marshall, on his final fixture as Cornwall County Seniors Captain, praised the play, and demeanour, of the Junior players. This was echoed by all present, and bodes well for the future of Cornwall golf. Thanks were expressed by all present to Trevose G&CC for their hospitality.
MatchsheetPictured below are the U18 team which played a match against the CGU Seniors at Trevose GC this week.
Bradley Sweeps to Order of Merit Wins
CGU Junior Section Order of Merits 2015
West Cornwall Golf Club’s rising star Bradley Barnes - pictured above - was yesterday presented with the CGU Junior Order of Merit for 2015. During a fine season for the Lelant club’s junior, and taking the best five scores from seven events staged across the county, 5 handicapper Bradley returned a total of 79.5 OoM points to narrowly pip Junior County Champion Jamie Crocker (Truro) by just 2 points (77.5). In 3rd place was Looe GC’s Kieran Faulkner (70.5).
Meanwhile in the U16 OoM which has both scratch and handicap categories, it was Barnes again as he secured the scratch element with a total of 89.66 points to win comfortably ahead of Jake Alcock (Lanhydrock) on 66.83. Third place went to Bradley’s fellow West Cornwall junior James Wirth (63.66).
In the U16 Handicap OoM Alcock was again pipped into the runners up spot on 66 points as 13 year old Truro Junior Josh Hodge - pictured above - claimed overall victory on 75.33 points.
The OoM prizes were presented yesterday at Truro as part of the presentation following the Junior Maxam Competition.
Faulkner - pictured above courtesy of the Daily Telegraph - has recently returned from playing in the Telegraph Junior Golf Championship Finals staged at Quinta Do Lago in Portugal where he was one of 21 boys and girls competing for respective titles. Unfortunately for Kieran he was not successful but nevertheless he should be very proud of himself in having reached the final stage of what is a very high profile event won previously by many who are now household names in the world of golf.
Truro are the Toast as they retain Maxam Title
Junior Maxam Cup Truro GC Wednesday 28th October 2015
Truro Juniors - pictured above - yesterday retained the Junior Maxam Cup over their home course as they delivered a team performance good enough to see them clear winners by an 11 shot margin over West Cornwall. Having won the event last year the pressure was on them to deliver at home and they did so in style.
In the difficult foursomes medal format with two of three scores to count, 52 juniors took part over a Truro course which had been pounded with rain throughout the preceding 24 hours. Nevertheless the course was presented in excellent autumn condition and the Truro team took particular advantage of it.
Spearheading their win was the pairing of Junior County Champion Jamie Crocker and Jared Mortimore who put together halves of two over 35 and level par 34 for a total of 69 which was also good enough to see them claim the prize for best individual pair on the day. Their round included three birdies but probably the shot of the day for them came at the par 4 dogleg 15th where Mortimore was blocked out by trees. After debate with his playing partner Mortimore was able to produce a big slinging left to right shot which landed at the back of the green. When Crocker putted to the hole side the pair made an excellent par to keep their momentum going. For Truro the other two pairs, Jake Finn with Emily Wilson and Laura Andrew with Cameron Gurd, both returned 78s for a team total of 147. (Truro team L to R: Jamie Crocker, Laura Andrew, Jake Finn, Jared Mortimore, Cameron Gurd and Emily Wilson)
The challenge to Truro was expected to come from West Cornwall but with two of their pairs returning 19 over par 86s the challenge never materialised. It was left to their talismen and county junior players Bradley Barnes and Finn Rule to restore some pride. This they did with a 72, good enough to see them capture the prize for best nett score by a pair (72-5=67).
For Falmouth the third best pairs score of the day came from county juniors Ben Browning and Tom Matthews who shot a 73.
Truro thus took the gross trophy and because of the one prize rule, Falmouth were runners up.
In the nett competition West Cornwall were the winners with St Austell runners up.
The West Cornwall team (above L to R): Finn Rule, Bradley Barnes, Noah Badcock, Jordan Musitano and Cameron Richards. Absent James Wirth.
The St Austell team (above L to R): Eldon Douglas, Ollie Watson, Saul Barker, Ewan Warren, Finn Pearce and Rhys Johns.
CGU Juniors President Phil Linaker presented the prizes to a full clubhouse and thanked Truro GC for their warm welcome and hospitality.
Individual Scores Gross and Nett
Pictures below: Mortimore plays that shot on 15, Ewan Warren chips at 15 watched by partner Saul Barker, Crocker lines up his putt, Emily Wilson looks happy with partner Jake Finn, Finn tees off at the picturesque par 3 16th, Rhys Johns at the same hole, Cameron Gurd also at 16, Bradley Barnes unleashes one at 13, Danielle Price watches her putt at the 11th, Josh Galvin tees off at 12, Will Price watches his tee shot also at 12, Chris Turner also on 12.
Rule is Winner of Junior Autumn Meeting
Junior Autumn Meeting Mullion GC Sunday 6th September 2015
West Cornwall’s Finn Rule reigned supreme over the links at Mullion GC yesterday as he took the major honours in the 36 hole Junior Autumn Meeting played in glorious conditions with sunshine and little or no breeze all day.
5 handicapper Rule - pictured above - shot rounds of level par 70 and a 2 over 72 for a 142 total that were good enough to see him home by just the one shot over County Junior Champion Jamie Crocker (Truro) who returned scores of 71 and 72. Rule opened up his first round with a birdie 2 at the first hole and followed with a further birdie at the third. Dropped shots at 6, 9 and 10 were countered with a further birdie 2 at the 11th before finishing with 7 straight pars which gave him the halfway lead.
At that point there were some 8 players in contention for the overall honours but these were whittled down to 6 who had a real chance.
Crocker, whose morning 71 contained 17 pars and just the one dropped shot, put up a real fight and through 14 holes was one over for the round and effectively leader on the course. However a double bogey at the par 4 15th where he drove the ball into deep rough probably cost him his chance. He made pars on the next two holes and made the elusive birdie he had been seeking all day on the very last hole.
Also fighting hard was his Truro clubmate Jared Mortimore who after a morning 73 put together a solid afternoon round of 71 comprising 13 pars and two birdies and this was enough to secure third spot overall for him.
The best afternoon round came from Falmouth’s Ben Browning who improved on his morning 75 by 5 shots for a level par 70 which moved him up the leaderboard into 4th place, which he claimed on countback from Truro’s 14 year old Joe Reynard who shot 73 and 72 also for a 145 total.
Meanwhile Rule had begun to feel the heat as his afternoon round evolved. Having dropped shots at his opening two holes and a further one at the 9th he recovered with two back 9 birdies and this was enough to see him over the line and claiming the Penhale Cup for the best overall gross score of the day.
On the day 38 juniors from across the county and with ages ranging from 10 to 17, took part in the annual competition which offers prizes in a variety of categories.
Proving that junior golfers come in all shapes and sizes and are very good sports are Truro's Thomas Stephens and Carlyon Bay's Danny Sweet. (Pictured above)
Reynard - above - was the winner of the Chris Brian Trophy for the best morning round gross score (73) by an U14 year old.
The John Dingle Trophy awarded to the best gross score by an U16 year old from the host club was won by Freddie Norris (above) (81+78=159), just pipping Rhys Kerton on countback.
The Reg Curtis Salver awarded to the best 36 hole nett score was claimed by Ollie Watson (above)(St Austell) who, playing off his 16 handicap, returned nett scores of 69 and 63 to win on countback from Rule.
The U14 prize for the best morning nett score went to Ricardo Sanchez (Truro) with a 70 as he pipped St Austell’s Ewan Warren on countback. Jack Andrew (Truro) was third with a nett 71.
Prizes were awarded in three different handicap ranges for overall nett scores. The 19-28 handicap group was won by St Austell’s Saul Barker (76+64=140) with Will Price (Perranporth) runner up (75+67=142).
The 10-18 handicap group was won by Mullion’s Jim Lee (67+70=137) with Finn Pearce (St Austell) the runner up (74+68=142).
The 0-9 handicap group was won by West Cornwall’s Bradley Barnes (68+68=136) with Tom Matthews (Falmouth) runner up (74+67=141).
Barnes performance on the day keeps him at the top of the CGU Junior Order of Merit with just one event to go. Barnes has a total of 71 points at present but hot on his heels are Kieran Faulkner (69.5) and Crocker (65.5). In current fourth spot is Browning on 62 and these are the only players in contention. The final round of the CGU OoM is the Junior Open at St Enodoc on Sunday 4th October 2015.
Pictured below: Mullion was a glorious setting for the event, Bradley Barnes narrowly misses his par putt on the 9th, Jon Rowe drives into the blue yonder, Cameron Gurd keeping his head down on the 10th, Joe Reynard putting at the 16th, Simon Hobbs chipping from an awkward spot on the 12th and Jamie Crocker playing from the rough on 15 under the watchful eye of Chris Hart.
China Fleet are First winners of Kernow Cup
Kernow Cup Finals Day Sunday 30th August 2015 Carlyon Bay GC
China Fleet GC's small junior section claimed a famous victory at Carlyon Bay GC yesterday as they became the inaugural winners of the Kernow Cup. In the competition set up this year to create additional competitive golf for clubs with both small and large junior sections, the China Fleet trio (brother and sister Lewis and Ashleigh Woolaway together with Alex Swabey) came out on top after beating the Truro Albatross all girl team 2-1 in an exciting final.
Two Truro teams had qualified for the finals day (staged at the same time as the George Bolitho Finals) and in the morning semi finals draw they were kept apart as China Fleet took on the Truro Eagles and St Austell Saints played Truro Albatross side.
In their semi final China Fleet claimed an early scalp as Ashleigh Woolaway took care of Truro Eagles Oscar Massey by a 7&5 margin. When brother Lewis won 3&2 against Liam Wilson the Fleet club had reached the final. Their third member Alex Swabey halved his match with Ricardo Sanchez to give his team a 2.5-0.5 win.
Truro Albatross came through in their match with St Austell Saints with a 3-0 win as Emily Wilson beat Fagan Houston (3&2), Laura Andrew beat Levi Richards (6&5) and Olivia Trewhella beat Hugo Watson (3&2).
In this popular event the earlier league stages had seen 16 teams play in four different divisions and the feedback from those participating was that all the juniors had thoroughly enjoyed the format. There had been some exciting games and some close calls in terms of qualifying for finals day.
The 3rd/4th place playoff was won by Truro Eagles as they beat St Austell Saints 2.5-0.5 with Liam Wilson beating Houston (5&3), Massey beating Jack warren (4&3) and Sanchez halving with Richards.
The final between China Fleet and Truro Albatross did not disappoint with some excellent golf served up and the result in doubt right to the very end.
Lewis Woolaway was playing Emily Wilson with the latter going 3 up through the halfway point. However the diminutive Woolaway would not let go and he clawed his way back into the match and took a 1 up lead to the 18th tee. A slightly errant tee shot at the par 3 final hole led to a four for him and despite missing the green on the top side a sweetly played chip by Wilson saw her make par and take the match to extra holes.
With just a three man team the action was taking place at close quarters but the Carlyon Bay layout - in excellent condition - prevents viewing of the closing holes. So whilst Wilson and Woolaway headed again to the first they did not know what was unfolding behind them. As events transpired Swabey won his match 2&1 over Andrew and in the number three position Trewellha levelled things with a 2 up win over Ashleigh Woolaway.
Lewis and Emily halved the first extra hole in 5s and so wen to the 20th. Woolaway - with a shot on the hole - hit an excellent tee shot which was matched by Wilson. Lewis laid up short of the green in two whilst Wilson was unlucky to find a difficult lie in the greeenside bunker. When she failed to get up and down the game was over and China Fleet had claimed an overall victory.
Semi Final China Fleet v Truro Eagles
Semi Final St Austell Saints v Truro Albatross
3rd/4th Place Playoff St Austell Saints v Truro Eagles
Final China Fleet v Truro Albatross
Another Win for West Cornwall as they Bag Bolitho Shield!
George Bolitho Shield Finals Day Sunday 30th August 2015 Carlyon Bay GC
West Cornwall added to their 2015 trophy collection yesterday as they won the CGU George Bolitho Shield at Carlyon Bay GC, just two weeks after winning the Brian Gripe Junior Summer Knockout trophy.
Finals day - for both the George Bolitho and the Kernow Cup - opened with persistent rain for the clubs competing. In the morning Bolitho semi finals it wet almost throughout as West Cornwall took on a depleted Lanhydrock team whilst St Austell faced Falmouth.
In their semi final with West Cornwall the five boys from Lanhydrock put up a fight halving two of their games as Jake Alcock took Bradley Barnes to the last hole and Jonty Coleman did the same against Ryan Howes. However having to concede points to the opposition combined with wins for the West Cornwall team through James Wirth (3&2 over Josh Galvin), Tristan Barnes (5&4 over Tom Crowe) and Emily Jenkin (6&5 over Callum Tulley) meant the latter ran out 5.75-1 winners and in so doing they took their place in the final.
In the other semi final St Austell had a closer game with Falmouth but achieved victory by 4.5- 2.25. Falmouth took an early advantage as their 7th man James Dempsey beat Bradley Varcoe 5&4 and Tom Matthews beat Ewan warren 4&2. At the same time the top match between Falmouth's Ben Browning and Zak Omlo was halved. However St Austell prevailed in the remaining matches with narrow wins for Rhys Johns (1 up over Brodie Kemp) and Ollie Watson (1 up over Kieran Ashley) whilst Eldon Douglas won 3&1 against Liam Ashley and Saul Barker won 3&2 against Archie Fox.
The lunchtime interval saw the weather improve and this was maintained throughout both the afternoon 3rd/4th place playoff matches and the final.
In the former Falmouth whitewashed Lanhydrock (6.75-0) with convincing wins for Browning (8&7 over Alcock) Matthews (6&4 over Galvin) coupled with wins by Kemp (3&1 over Crowe), Kieran Ashley (2&1 over Tulley) and Liam Ashley (3&2 over Coleman)
The final between West Cornwall and St Austell eventually produced a clear winner. The Lelant based team won their first three singles as Hannah Body beat Varcoe (5&3), Jordan Musitano beat Omlo (4&3) and Bardely Barnes beat Ewan Warren (6&5). with tailender Casey Olds up early in her game with Barker and claiming a 5&4 win West Cornwall were home and dry. Consolation wins for St Austell came from Johns (5&4 against Wirth) and Watson (3&1 against Jenkin).
West Cornwall Captain Bradely Barnes was delighted to receive the George Bolitho Shield from CGU Juniors President Phil Linaker, the first time the club has won the event since 1996.
Semi Final West Cornwall v Lanhydrock
Semi Final St Austell v Falmouth
3rd/4th Place Playoff Falmouth v Lanhydrock
Final West Cornwall v St Austell
U16s lose to Somerset
Ben Enoch League Somerset v Cornwall Monday 24th August 2105 Long Sutton GC
The Cornwall U16s went down 7-5 away to Somerset on Monday. With Dorset having already won the U16s Ben Enoch Trophy and a number of natural first choice U16s playing regularly for the County's U18 team, Team Manager Gary Andrew was able to take the forward step of not only looking at likely contenders for 2016 but also giving them some first hand match experience.
The team (pictured above) had a valuable practice round the day before the match and expert assistance was given to them by Mike Reynard, a multiple county champion and a player with enormous experience having represented England many times earlier in his career.
The weather was atrocious on match day and as per the U14s so it was decided by both managers to play the 18 holes singles in the morning just in case the course became water logged, which indeed was the outcome later in the day.Joe Reynard (Truro) was out first against and did his bit for the team as he earned a half in a hard fought match.George Leigh (Trevose) played very steady golf and moved to an excellent 3&2 win. With this start Andrew was optimistic but despite high hopes for the strong West Cornwall duo of Bradley Barnes and Finn Rule the pair went down 3&2 and 2 down respectively.
Mullion's Rhys Kerton was making his debut for the U16s and got off to a dream start as he moved to 2 up with 5 holes played. Sadly for him his opponent moved up through the gears and eliminated the deficit before going on to win 6&4. Fellow Mullion junior Freddie Norris impressed once again, with his calm workman like nature as he cruised home with a 4&2 win.
Another debutant Lewis Woolaway (China Fleet) found himself 3 down after just four holes, but he dug in and stood on the 17th tee was just the one hole down. Unfortunately a blocked tee shot cost him the chance of making a half and he lost 2&1.
Tristan Barnes once again warranted his call up. He demonstrated maturity playing intelligent golf. His good course management and iron play was instrumental in his gaining a fine half.
So in the end the final result was a 5-3 loss for Cornwall but Andrew was very happy with the effort and application put in by the players. "Yes I am convinced we would have won this match if I had selected all the first choice players, but this was a proactive step with a view to next year. We do have more strength and depth than in some previous years and I was delighted with everyone's effort and in particular the performances of Joe, George, Freddie and Tristan and the determination shown by Lewis".
As with the U14 match there was sterling work done by the greenstaff and the officials present to ensure the |U16 singles matches could be completed. As can be seen below a manager's work is not just restricted to selecting a team!
With the singles results 5-3 in favour of Somerset and the fousomes halved by agreement the final score was 7-5 to Somerset.
Team Picture (L to R): Rhys Kerton, Joe Reynard, Freddie Norris, Bradley Barnes, Finn Rule, Tristan Barnes, George Leigh and Lewis Woolaway.
U14s Achieve Excellent Win in Somerset
Jack Roberts League Somerset v Cornwall Monday 24th August 2015 Long Sutton GC
Cornwall's U14s travelled to Somerset and played their opponents in very difficult wet conditions but were rewarded with an excellent away 5.5-3.5 win.
The terrible conditions led to the cancellation of the morning foursomes with agreement these would be halved. A fantastic effort from the Long Sutton green staff and officials meant the course remained open despite the relentless rain and this enabled the singles matches to take place first and a result obtained. Whilst the course was eventually closed to others the team managers and club staff worked hard to ensure individual games could be completed.
The Cornwall U14 Team pictured after their win (L to R) Josh Hodge, Ewan Warren, Morgan Craven, Jack Andrew, Liam Wilson, Cameron Gurd, Thomas Stephens and Zack Cook.
Cameron Gurd got Cornwall off to a great start as he finished his match 1 up fighting back from being 3 down at one stage. Gurd's Truro clubmate Jack Andrew was unfortunate to lose out on the 18th by the odd hole. Another Truro youngster, Josh Hodge impressed with a great 6&5 win, and he was followed by yet another city based player Morgan Craven as he got a fine half in his match. In a side domibnated by Truro's youngsters Thomas Stephens short game was absolutely on song, and he delivered a very impressive 5&4 win. In the final counting match, St Austell’s Ewan Warren had a fine half. In the two non counting singles Truro's Liam Wilson provided another big 6&4 win, whilst Mullion's Zac Cook went a few steps further with an amazing 8&7 victory, which sealed a brilliant day for Cornwall and made the long minibus journey home considerably more enjoyable.
U16s and U14s Lose to Devon
Friday 21st August 2015 Trethorne GC
The Cornwall U14s and U16s suffered mixed fortunes yesterday in their matches against strong Devon teams at Trethorne GC.
The U16s (pictured above) put up a spirited performance as they held their opponents to a halved match (6-6) in the Ben Enoch Trophy whilst the U14s were narrowly beaten (5-4) in their Jack Roberts League match. (Picture L to R: Chris Turner, Tom Matthews, Finn Rule, Connor Davidson, Jake Alcock, Bradley Barnes, Simon Hobbs and Freddie Norris)
The U16s lost their morning foursomes 3-1 with the Duchy’s point coming from two halved games for Simon Hobbs (Bowood Park) playing with Jake Alcock (Lanhydrock) and for Chris Turner (Launceston) playing with Freddie Norris (Mullion). Connor Davidson (Mullion) playing with Tom Matthews (Falmouth) and the West Cornwall pairing of Bradley Barnes and Finn Rule lost 1 down and 2&1 respectively.
The afternoon saw the Cornish team take 5 wins from the 8 singles with wins for Matthews (4&3), Rule (2 up), Barnes (2 up), Hobbs (7&6) and Alcock (6&4). This left the overall match halved and the team able to take heart from an improved performance against a Devon side who yet again on paper were the stronger.
The U14s match was also very close. In the three morning foursomes Cornwall lost 2- 1 with their point coming from Joe Reynard (Truro) playing with George Leigh (Trevose) as they won 3&2. There were losses for Rhys Kerton (Mullion) playing with debutant Lewis Woolaway (China Fleet) as they went down 5&3, and for Josh Hodge (Truro) playing with Tristan Barnes (West Cornwall) as they lost 2 down. In the non counting match George Law (Truro) and Lewis Bradley, another debutant from Bowood Park, won 3&2.
The afternoon 6 singles were shared 3-3 with Cornish wins achieved by Kerton (3&2) and Hodge (2 up) whilst there were halves for Leigh and Woolaway.
Again the U14s are able to take heart from their performance which was much improved on their previous encounter against Dorset at the end of July.
Tomorrow sees both teams in action again as they face Somerset at Long Sutton GC (Monday 24th August 2015)
West Cornwall are Brian Gripe Trophy Winners 2015
Brian Gripe Junior Summer Knockout Final Monday 17th August 2015 The Point at Polzeath GC
In the first of this season’s Junior Finals the team from West Cornwall captured the Brian Gripe Junior Summer Knockout Trophy when they defeated a plucky Falmouth side at the Point at Polzeath GC yesterday.
Played in glorious warm weather with blue skies and not a breath of wind on a course in ongoing excellent condition, West Cornwall proved to be the stronger as they claimed a 3-2 win in the five singles matches played over 36 holes.
Started off by CGU Juniors President Phil Linaker the first match saw Jordan Musitano spearhead the West Cornwall team with county junior Ben Browning leading for Falmouth. These two had a tight match throughout and after the morning it was Musitano who was ahead by just the one hole. Browning was not to be out done as he dug in and got himself in front before closing out the match on their 34th hole 3 &2.
Next up for West Cornwall was Finn Rule who took on his fellow county junior Tom Matthews. Yet again a tight match ensued with Matthews going into the lunch break 1 up courtesy of an excellent birdie on the 18th. Matthews continued his good form in the afternoon and moved further ahead and closed his match out with a 5&4 win.
In games 4 and 5 West Cornwall had the advantage with James Wirth 7 up on Kieran Ashley at lunch and with Noah Badcock 2 up on Liam Ashley at lunch. Wirth moved on to a 6&4 victory and Badcock to a 5&4 win sealing the overall win for the Lelant based team.
Game 3 was still alive on the course though and despite being 5 up at lunch Bradley Barnes was pegged back by his dogged Falmouth opponent Brodie Kemp who dug deep winning a number of holes on the bounce to reduce the deficit, extending his match to the 35th hole where he eventually succumbed to a 3&1 loss.
All the players and officials present expressed the view the course was in excellent shape with the greens rolling beautifully and this was reflected in the appreciation expressed to The Point at Polzeath GC by Linaker when he presented the trophy.
Duchy U18s put up strong fight against Devon
Roy Greenaway Trophy Devon v Cornwall Friday 14th August 2015 Holsworthy GC
Cornwall U18 s put up a real fight before being beaten yesterday by Devon U18s in their Roy Greenaway Trophy match at Holsworthy GC.
Devon’s 3.5 - 1.5 lunchtime lead over the Duchy after the morning foursomes left a mountain to climb in the singles but that deficit could have been a lot worse. Jared Mortimore and Jamie Crocker (Truro) were dormy 4 down and really dug winning the last 4 holes to gain a half. Last pairing out, the West Cornwall duo of Finn Rule and Bradley Barnes were 2 down with 4 to play and managed to pull it back to win on the 18th.
Probably the match of the day in the singles was Ben Browning (Falmouth) against Danny Guy. Nip and tuck all the way round, and level par the match went to the last hole and it was harsh for Browning as he three putted to lose at the final hurdle, having played so well. Bradley Barnes was at one point 6 down in his match but showed grit and determination to eventually be pipped 3&1. Cornish wins came from Mortimore who continued his recent good run of play with an emphatic 4&3 win, Connor Davidson (Mullion) who won 2 up, Rule who totally outplayed his opponent despatching him 7&6, and Simon Hobbs (Bowood Park) who won 1 up. Tom Matthews (Falmouth) did well to get a half against his opponent who was three shots lower on handicap.
Although Cornwall lost the afternoon singles (5.5 - 4.5) by just the 1 point, the team showed real fighting spirit and competed well against a Devon team who were much stronger on paper.
Junior Summer Knockout Final
The Cornwall Junior Summer Team Knockout competition for the Brian Gripe Trophy reaches its climax this coming Monday 17th August 2015 at The Point at Polzeath GC when West Cornwall face Falmouth with both clubs endeavouring to get their names on the trophy for the first time in its 13 year history.
West Cornwall received a bye in their first round before beating Truro 3-2, whilst Falmouth, who also had a first round bye, beat Mullion by the same score.
The final takes place over 36 holes of singles matchplay with each club having 5 players and the action gets underway at Polzeath at 0900 on Monday morning.
Cornwall U16s named for Devon and Somerset Matches
On the same days as the U14s face Devon and Somerset the U16s do just the same and Team Manager Gary Andrew has named the sides to play in the respective matches.
The team to face Devon at Trethorne GC on Friday 21st August is: Bradley Barnes, Finn Rule (West Cornwall), Tom Matthews (Falmouth), Connor Davidson , Freddie Norris (Mullion), Simon Hobbs (Bowood Park), Jake Alcock (Lanhydrock) and Chris Turner (Launceston).
The team to face Somerset away at Long Sutton GC on Monday 24th August is: Bradley Barnes, Finn Rule, Tristan Barnes (West Cornwall), Freddie Norris, Rhys Kerton (Mullion), Joe Reynard (Truro), George Leigh (Trevose) and Lewis Woolaway (China Fleet).
Cornwall U14s named for Devon and Somerset Matches
U14 manager Simon Wood has named his teams for two matches against Devon and Somerset later this month as the Duchy completes its matches in the Jack Roberts League.
The team to play Devon on Friday 21st August at Trethorne GC is: Joe Reynard, Jack Andrew and George Law (all Truro), George Leigh (Trevose), Rhys Kerton (Mullion), Tristan Barnes (West Cornwall). Lewis Woolaway (China Fleet), Lewis Bradley (Bowood Park)
Three days later on Monday 24th August the team travel to Long Sutton GC to play Somerset.
The team for the match with Somerset is: Jack Andrew, Morgan Craven, Cameron Gurd, Thomas Stephens, Josh Hodge, Liam Wilson (all Truro), Zack Cook (Mullion) and Ewan Warren (St Austell).
Cornwall U18s Team to face Devon
Having lost at home to Somerset last week the Cornwall U18s will be looking to put one over neighbours Devon when the two counties meet at Holsworthy GC this coming Friday 15th August.
U18s Manager Andy Mortimore has been forced to make two changes to the team that played Somerset with George Leigh replacing the unavailable Jon Rowe and Tom Matthews coming in for Kieran Faulkner.
The full team is: Jamie Crocker Capt, Jared Mortimore (both Truro), Ben Browning,Tom Matthews (Falmouth), Connor Davidson (Mullion), Jamie Barton (Launceston), Simon Hobbs (Bowood Park), George Leigh (Trevose), Finn Rule and Bradley Barnes (West Cornwall)
Joe Reynard (Truro) has been named as non travelling reserve.
The action gets underway at Holsworthy from 0915 Friday.
Cornwall U18s Narrowly Beaten By Somerset
Roy Greenaway Shield Cornwall v Somerset Wednesday 5th August 2015 Launceston GC
Cornwall U18s were narrowly beaten 8- 7 at Launceston yesterday in their opening Roy Greenaway Shield match against Somerset.
The Duchy team had a good morning in the five foursomes matches and took a 3 - 2 lead into the lunchtime break after wins for the Truro pairing of Jamie Crocker and Jared Mortimore (5&4), the Bowood Park pairing of Jon Rowe and Simon Hobbs (4&2) and the West Cornwall pairing of Finn Rule and Bradley Barnes (1 Up). Kieran Faulkner and Ben Browning lost by the odd hole and Connor Davidson and Jamie Barton lost 2&1.
The morning had been predominantly dry albeit breezy but not long after the afternoon ten singles got underway it started to rain heavily and this lasted for the remainder of the match making for very difficult and unpleasant conditions for those playing and spectating alike.
Mortimore set the Cornish off and claimed a great victory over Somerset and England's Taylor Stote by a 5&3 margin and with a number of the Cornish team either up or at least square in their matches hopes were high the Duchy could pull off a victory. This was not to be however as the visitor's middle order delivered a succession of 6 wins to see them home if not dry. Davidson, Hobbs and Barnes did their bit and achieved wins at the back end of the Cornish order but it was not enough. Four of the 6 singles defeats for Cornwall reached the 17th green and one the 16th, giving an indication of how tight the match had become.
The U18s other match in this competition takes place against Devon at Holsworth GC next week on Friday 14th August with a 9.15am start.
Cornwall U18s Team to face Somerset
Roy Greenaway Shield Cornwall v Somerset Wednesday 5th August 2015 Launceston GC
Cornwalll U18s open their Roy Greenaway Trophy campaign against Somerset at Launceston GC on Wednesday 5th August 2015. Ten players from each side will play five morning foursomes followed by ten afternoon singles to determine a winner. U18 Manager Andy Mortimore has named the following team to represent Cornwall:
Jamie Crocker Capt, Jared Mortimore (Truro), Ben Browning (Falmouth), Kieran Faulkner (Looe), Jamie Barton (Launceston), Connor Davidson (Mullion), Simon Hobbs, Jon Rowe (Bowood Park), Finn Rule and Bradley Barnes (West Cornwall)
Non travelling reserve Tom Matthews (Falmouth)
The action gets underway at 9.30am.
Cornwall U14s and U16s Lose to Dorset
Tuesday 28th July 2016 Whitsand Bay GC
Cornwall went down to two defeats yesterday as both the U14s and U16s lost at home to Dorset at Whitsand Bay GC in their opening Jack Roberts League and Ben Enoch Trophy matches.
The U14s arguably had the better day as the 9 hole morning foursomes saw them take a 2-1 lead into the lunch break. The opening pair of Cameron Gurd and Ewan Warren went down 2&1 to their Dorset opponents but George Leigh & Jack Andrew and Joe Reynard &Rhys Kerton put the Duchy ahead and in good spirits with respective 3&2 and 2&1 wins.
The afternoon 18 hole singles however did not go the way of Cornwall who only managed the one win from the 6 matches and that came from the in form Rhys Kerton who was under par for the majority of his round and ran out a 2&1 winner over Sam Trott. Whilst three other matches went to the 17th none of them were in the Duchy’s favour. Cameron Gurd went down 3&1 to Will Chesterman and Ewan Warren by 2&1 to James Bishop. In the only match to reach 18, Jack Andrew lost 2 down to the diminutive, but very impressive, Rhys Harrison. Earlier at the top of the singles order there were uncharacteristic defeats for both Joe Reynard and George Leigh who lost 4&3 and 5&3 respectively to Tom Kollberg and Alex Elwick.
All of this meant the final result was a 6-3 win for the visitors Dorset. Well done to them. U14 Manager Simon Wood was disappointed with his team. ‘We had the initiative at lunch after a good morning. However we went out and played some indifferent golf this afternoon and never really showed our potential. I remain upbeat about our U14s as there is strength in depth. We just have to be more clinical in our approach in order to get the job done.’
The next match for the U14s takes place at Trethorne GC on 21st August 2015 when they will host Devon.
Pictured below (L to R: George Leigh faces a trick clifftop shot, Cameron Gurd unleashes one with Whitsand Bay and Rame Head in the background, Joe Reynard plays his second down the 11th, Jack Andrew asks a chip to sit on 15, Ewan warren contemplates his tee shot on 16 and Rhys Kerton watches a tees shot
The U16s match saw a confrontation where the lower handicaps of the Dorset team favoured them from the outset. This was evidenced first across the morning foursomes as Dorset comprehensively won all four to take an almost unassailable 4 - 0 lead at lunch. The best Cornish performance came from debutants Chris Turner (Launceston) and Bradley Barnes (West Cornwall) who impressed despite their 2&1 defeat. Elsewhere the West Cornwall pairing of Finn Rule and Bradley Barnes lost 4&2, Tom Matthews (Falmouth) and Connor Davidson (Mullion) lost 5&4 and Simon Hobbs (Bowood Park) and another debutant Freddie Norris (Mullion) lost 4&2.
In the afternoon, Cornwall delivered a more spirited performance but were still well beaten as they lost the overall singles 5 – 3.
Rule was first out and although he played well, his 2 handicap opponent Adam Harris was 4 under gross after 11 holes, this leading to an 8&7 defeat. Matthews was up for the majority of his match, but was pegged back by Sam Brooke who went on to win on the 18th. Bradley Barnes fought well, but was overpowered 3&1 by Mark Rankin. Davidson gave Cornwall their first point of the day with a fine 3&2 win over Kailin Woodland. Hobbs had a real battle on his hands with Oscar Perry, and the pair delivered some fine golf. A par down the tricky 18th gave Simon a well earned half.
Turner played consistently well all day on his debut but lost 5 & 4 to Billy Hathaway. Another debutant Norris got over his morning round disappointment and had an excellent win 2&1 win over Cameron Moss. Tristan Barnes impressed with his club selection and course management, and despite finding himself 2 down with 2 to play, he dug in and won the last two holes for a deserved half against Matthew Dare.
Team manager Gary Andrew said ‘Dorset were much stronger on paper, but overall I was pleased with the performance especially the debuts of Freddie Norris, Chris Turner and Tristan Barnes, Simon Hobbs who all showed a real fighting spirit. There was an excellent team atmosphere amongst the boys and now we need to move on and improve. I feel Dorset had the edge on us on the greens and this is an area where we need to get better.’
The next match for the U16s also takes place at Trethorne GC on 21st August 2015 when they will host Devon.
Pictured below (L to R) Connor Davidson drives at 14, Simon Hobbs urges his ball down, Bradley Barnes cuts an imposing figure on the 16th tee, Chris Turner plays from the deep stuff, U16 Manager Gary Andrew bent double as his team watch on and Bradley Barnes tees off at 18 and then putts on his way to a half.
SWCGA Boys Disappointment for Cornwall
Cornwall Boys (L to R) Jamie Barton, James Wirth, Ben Browning, Joe Reynard, SWCGA President Paul Clahane, George Leigh, Kieran Faulkner, Jamie Crocker and Finn Rule.
There was no success to speak of for the Duchy as the Cornish Boys participated in the SWCGA Boys Championship over 36 holes at Teignmouth GC, Devon yesterday. Despite difficult conditions with morning rain and strengthening winds none of the 8 man contingent could do better than 23rd place in the event which saw a total of 53 competitors from the 6 regional counties competing.
In the team element with a nominated 6 of the 8 scores to count Cornwall - pictured above - finished in the bottom position with a total of 818 some 66 shots behind winners Wiltshire on 752. Cornish Junior County Champion Jamie Crocker (Truro) struggled along with the rest of the team as he put together two rounds of 80 and 84 to finish in 38th place in the individual event. The best overall performer for Cornwall was Looe's Kieran Faulkner who returned a pair of 79s to finish 24th. The best Cornish round of the day came from Jamie Barton (Launceston) as he returned a morning 77 to leave himself in 12th position at the halfway point.
Winner of the individual was Taylor Stote (Somerset) who returned rounds of 73 and 71 to win by two shots from Wiltshire's Tom Stagg (71,75). As team winners Wiltshire now go on to the England Golf Boys County Finals in Norfolk next month.
Other Cornish scores;
George Leigh (Trevose) 79. 83 (33rd Place)
Jamie Barton (Launceston) 77, 87 (39th)
Finn Rule (West Cornwall) 83,82 (40th)
Ben Browning (Falmouth) 86, 82 (47th)
Joe Reynard (Truro) 80, 88 (49th) and
James Wirth (West Cornwall) 84, 89 (50th).
Jamie Crocker Crowned County Junior Champion 2015
Truro GC junior Jamie Crocker (pictured above) is the new County Junior Champion after he excelled with two very good rounds of golf at Newquay yesterday. Jamie shot a morning one under par 68 and followed this up with a 72 to finish on a total of 140 and 8 shots clear of runner up Ben Browning (Falmouth).
With defending Champion and current Junior County Captain Harry Hall unavailable due to playing in this week's R&A Amateur Championship at Carnoustie and Panmure in Angus, Scotland, Crocker took full advantage. His first round contained just three bogeys but 4 birdies on the back 9 saw him home in 32 shots for the 68 total. Despite making four bogeys in his second round a total of thirteen pars and one birdie consolidated his winning position. Browning, who had a morning 70, could not match that in the afternoon as he closed with a 78 to claim the runners up spot by one shot from Launceston's Jamie Barton (76, 73). Fourth place went to Joe Reynard (Truro 77, 75)
In the U18 Nett competition the winner was West Cornwall's 15 year old Finn Rule (above) who returned nett scores of 66 and 71 to win by the one shot from Zak Omlo (St Austell Nett 65,75). Third was George Leigh (Trevose nett 68 + 73) whilst fourth spot went to James Wirth (West Cornwall 67 +74).
Leigh's consolation was to claim the U16 Gross prize as the 13 year old's two rounds of 73 and 78 saw him (above) pip Reynard by just the one shot (77,75). Third in this category was Bradley Barnes (West Cornwall 79, 78) and fourth Connor Davidson (Mullion) with a pair of 79s.
The U16 Nett competition winner was Rule, whilst second place went to rising 12 year old star Ewan Warren (St Austell) with nett scores of 72 and 71. Third was Will Trew (Perranporth nett 71,72) and fourth Jack Andrew (Truro nett 71,74)
Pictured below (L to R) George Leigh about to hole for a birdie 2 on the par 3 14th, Joe Reynard driving at 17, Jamie Crocker also at 17 and Jamie about to claim victory as he putts out on 18 at Newquay, Ben Browning with Jamie Crocker, and the 3 major prize winners with Phil Linaker and Newquay Captain Dick Rundle.
Joe Reynard wins the CGU U14 County Championship
Sunday 31st May 2015 Merlin GC
Truro GC junior Joe Reynard is the new U14 Cornwall Champion for 2015 after he scored a gross 82 in difficult conditions at Merlin GC today. Despite opening with a double bogey 5 at the par 3 first hole in driving rain, he mixed his round up with 8 pars and a birdie at the 8th to come home first. He was pushed all the way by Bude & North Cornwall's Harry Macauley who also shot a gross 82 off his 16 handicap. On the basis of one prize only second place in the gross competition went to Cameron Gurd (Truro) with a gross 83, whilst third place also went to Truro in the form of George Law with a gross 84. After the wet and windy start, conditions improved considerably with most players finishing in bright sunshine.
Macauley's consolation was to win the handicap competition as his gross 82 made for a nett 66, and this was just enough to pip St Austell's Bradley Varcoe on the same nett figure. Perranporth's Will Price claimed third nett spot.(91-24=67).
There were 45 U14s who took part on the day in 0-28, 29-36 and 37-54 handicap brackets. This number was up on last year and suggests the interest in junior golf is on the rise and certainly the competitive element was present throughout.
In the 29-36 handicap bracket the juniors played an 18 hole stableford which resulted in a win for William Kingdon of St Austell on 31 points. Second was Charles Sekatawa (Truro) on 30, whilst third place went to Jack Kevern of West Cornwall on 28.
The 37-54 handicap group played a 12 hole stableford competition and in this category the winner was St Austell's Harry Richards who amassed a great total of 34 points. Over the 12 holes second place with another good score was Sam Bailey (Tehidy Park) whilst third place went to Hugo Watson (St Austell) on 27 points. Youngest player present on the day was Quinn Bateman (St Enodoc) who at 6 years old finished with a par 4 on his final hole and succeeded in not making any double figure scores on any of his preceding 11 holes - something others did not manage!
Pictured below are L to R are Cameron Gurd, Joe Reynard and George Law, Will Price, Harry Macauley and Bradley Varcoe, Sam Bailey. Harry Richards and Hugo Watson, Jack Kevern and Will Kingdon, Charles Sekatawa. The other pictures show some of the day's action including Quinn Bateman displaying a great left hander's posture over his shot.
SWCGA U14 & U16 Championship - Cornwall Team Named
Friday 29th May 2015 Kingsdown GC, Corsham, Wilts
U14 and U16 Team Managers Simon Wood and Gary Andrew have named the team of 9 who will represent Cornwall in the upcoming South Western Counties Golf Association U14 & U16 Championship taking place at Kingsdown GC on Friday 29th May 2015.
The Championship comprises scratch stroke play over 18 holes.Each County is able to nominate up to 9 players, 6 under 16 and 3 under 14.
The winner will be the player who returns the lowest score over 18 holes and becomes the Boys’ U16/U14 Champion of the South Western Counties Golf Association for the year and the holder of the Eric Scott-Cooper Cotswold Ram Trophy. The competitor who returns the lowest Under 14 score over 18 holes wins the Ray Lawford Trophy.
The Cornish team is (U16s) Bradley Barnes, James Wirth and Finn Rule (West Cornwall), Connor Davidson (Mullion), Tom Lentern (Falmouth), and Jake Alcock (Lanhydrock), U14s: Joe Reynard & Jack Andrew (Truro) and George Leigh (Trevose). Travelling Reserve Rhys Kerton (Mullion).
We wish them all luck!
Team named for U16 Boys v U18 Girls match
Sunday 17th May 2015 St Austell GC
U16s Team Manager Gary Andrew has named his team to play against the CLCGA U18 Girls this coming Sunday 17th May 2015 at St Austell GC. The action gets underway from 9.00am
The full team is
Bradley Barnes, James Wirth, Finn Rule (West Cornwall), Connor Davidson (Mullion), Tom Lentern (Falmouth), Jake Alcock (Lanhydrock), Freddie Norris (Killiow), Chris Turner (Launceston), Rhys Johns (St Austell) and Piran Kent (Radnor)
SW Four Counties and overall disappointment for Cornwall
SW Four Counties Tournament Wed 8th/Thurs 9th April 2015 Weston-super-Mare GC
Cornwall's Juniors suffered a disappointing start to the South West Four Counties tournament at Weston-super-Mare GC on Wednesday as they ended up in the wooden spoon position in the Strokeplay Shield they won so convincingly last year at West Cornwall.
Though the 8 man team of Cornwall started the tournament as underdogs they would have hoped to perform better in the stroke play with counting six scores combining to post a total of 450 (+30) to end in fourth place behind Somerset on 441, Dorset on 436 and fifteen shots behind winners Devon on 435.
The best Cornish score came from Harry Hall (West Cornwall) who returned a one over par 71 to finish the individual event in 4th and 2 shots behind the winner, his England team mate Jamie Li (Somerset) on 69.
Looe's Kieran Faulkner shot an impressive 72 off his 3 handicap to finish in 10th place whilst Bradley Barnes (5 H'cap West Cornwall), who was a late replacement for the injured Jared Mortimore, took his chance to impress as he outshone the more senior players in the team with a 73 for 14th place in the 32 man field. In an event dominated by 17 and 18 year olds Trevose's 12 year old George Leigh shot 85 and although this left him at the foot of the field he impressed onlookers from the other counties. George's total included a 13 on the 17th hole but he kept his head and followed up with the only birdie from the entire field on the eighteenth.
Strokeplay Results - Individual
The team then moved into the Inter-County Matchplay series.
Cornwall 2 Dorset 5
In the afternoon Cornwall showed a lot of fight and spirit as they pushed a much stronger Dorset side all the way. After wins for Harry Hall up the 19th and a convincing 4 & 2 victory from Jake Finn the score was 3 – 2 to Dorset. As Faulkner was taking his opponent up the 22nd and Browning (Falmouth) playing up the 19th thoughts of an upset were on but unfortunately within minutes of each other their stronger opponents took the spoils to give Dorset a slightly flattering win. Harry Hall won on the 19th, Jamie Crocker (Truro) Lost 4&3, Faulkner Lost at the 22nd, Jake Finn (Truro) won 4&2, Browning lost on 19, Connor Davidson (Mullion) lost 2&1, whilst the foursomes pairing of Barnes & Leigh Lost 5&3.
Cornwall 2 Devon 5
Thursday morning saw Cornwall take on a strong and in form Devon team who were in no mood to let Cornwall trip them up in their quest to add the match play to their stroke play title. Though after the disappointment of losing after extra holes against Dorset both Faulkner and Browning played some excellent golf to win their matches 2&1 and 1up respectively. Unfortunately the rest of the team were watching their playing partners rolling in birdies and eagles from all over the place. Hall lost 3&2, Crocker lost 5&3, Faulkner won 2&1, Finn lost 4&3, Browning won 1 up, Davidson lost 6&5, whilst Barnes & Leigh lost 4&3.
Cornwall 4 Somerset 3
The final match had been targeted as our best chance of a win as on paper both sides were evenly matched, things started well as Harry Hall came back to beat fellow England International Jamie Li 3&2 after being 2 down though 9 but three birdies and an eagle in five holes saw Harry power to victory. Jamie Crocker playing some cracking golf looked as if he was going to win his first match as he led 2 up though 12 but was blitzed by 4 birdies in the final six holes by Kobe Adams to lose 2&1, Kieran Faulkner after three strong performances could not keep pace with Jordan Arnold losing 4&2. Jake Finn took his match with five birdies with three coming in the first four holes comfortably winning 6&5. Ben Browning after two strong performances found the unbeaten Kieran Babbage too strong losing 4&3. With the score now 3-2 in Somerset’s favour Cornwall needed wins from the final two matches. Connor Davidson provided the point to tie the match at 3-3 winning the final hole for a 1up victory. This left the fate of the match to the young guns of Bradley Barnes and George Leigh who got off to a shaky start losing three of the first four holes but with wins on 5 & 6 they were back to 1 down, after losing 8 further wins on 9, 10 & 11 saw the boys take the lead. A great half on the 13th, followed by a birdie putt from off the green on 14 for a half kept them 1up which became a 2&1 victory when they birdied 17.
Under 18 manager Andy Mortimore said " The team are disappointed with their strokeplay performance but showed a lot of character and determination in the matchplay to push Dorset so close and to defeat Somerset. The boys played a lot of great golf that was not reflected in the final results and the win against Somerset was just reward for their weeks efforts".
Final table|
|
P | W | L | F | A | Points |
| Devon | 3 | 3 | 0 | 13 | 8 | 3 |
| Dorset | 3 | 2 | 1 | 14 | 7 | 2 |
| Cornwall | 3 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 13 | 1 |
| Somerset | 3 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 14 | 0 |
SW Four Counties Championship
8th & 9th April 2015 at Weston-super-Mare GC
The Cornwall team playing in this event is Harry Hall (Captain, West Cornwall), Jared Mortimore, Jamie Crocker, Jake Finn (Truro), Kieran Faulkner (Looe), Ben Browning (Falmouth), Connor Davidson (Mullion), George Leigh (Trevose), and Bradley Barnes (West Cornwall)
The team played a practice round yesterday and the championship kicks off in earnest this morning with the team strokeplay and Individual Challenge Cup. Cornwall are defending the Team Strokeplay Shield they won at West Cornwall last year and Harry Hall is defending the individual prize he won over his home course also in 2014.
Wednesday afternoon sees the first round of the team matchplay competition, which will conclude on Thursday 9th April with morning and afternoon matches.
Results are available via the Somerset Golf Union website
Josh Seals Late LauncestonTriumph
Launceston staged a late but well earned surprise as they triumphed in the England Golf Junior Champion Club qualifier held over their home course today. Their victory means they will represent Cornwall in the England Golf national finals taking place at Frilford Heath GC in August this year. With the 2013 winners Truro sat pretty in the clubhouse and looking like they were heading to Oxfordshire, Launceston's Josh Murray-Dustan, playing in the final group on the course, returned an excellent 41 stableford points to lift his club into first place.
Launceston winners Josh Murray-Dustan (right) with Jamie Barton. Absent from picture is Christopher Turner.
Earlier in the day the other Launceston players Jamie Barton and Christopher Turner had both returned 31 points. Together with Murray-Dustan's 41 this gave the host club a team aggregate total of 103 which beat Truro into second place on 101. For Truro Liam Wilson scored 29, Laura Andrew 35 and Dominic Hunt an impressive 37, which was the second best individual score of the day. In third place were Bowood Park on 96 and for whom Jon Rowe returned 30, Simon Hobbs 31 and Lewis Bradley 35.
Simon Hobbs (Bowood Park) and Ben Browning (Falmouth) both smiling as a putt on the last somehow stays out.
Third individual best score on the day came from Ashleigh Woolaway (China Fleet) on 36 and there was one further 35 for Ewan Warren (St Austell)
Proving all ages can play together are (L to R) Danielle Price (Perranporth), Liam Wilson (Truro) and Josh Galvin (Lanhydrock).
Christopher Turner cuts a dash on the first tee at Launceston
In what were glorious spring conditions 38 juniors from across the county competed in the event on a Launceston course in good early season condition. Cornwall Golf Union Junior Section President Phil Linaker welcomed those competing and thanked Launceston GC for their hospitality, the condition of the course, and their ongoing support of the Union. On behalf of the winners a clearly amazed Jamie Barton expressed thanks to the club and organisers and particularly his team mate Murray-Dustan.
Cornwall U14s Hit the Road on Tour!
The winning Cornwall U14s pictured with the Gloucestershire team, Glos President Ian Cornwell and Past President, Peter French
The Cornwall Boys Under 14’s had a successful and enjoyable Easter Tour earlier this week as they played three different county junior teams in the space of three days. They started with an 18 hole match against Wiltshire followed by an 18 hole match against Surrey on day 2 and finished with a 27 hole match against Gloucestershire on day 3.
After an early start from Cornwall the juniors arrived at Ogborne Downs Golf Club, Wiltshire on the Monday afternoon to take on the Wiltshire Under 14’s team. The format was 18 hole fourball better ball match played off scratch. There was little difference between the handicaps of both teams and local knowledge of the course proved pivotal as Wiltshire won by 5.5 matches to 1.5 matches. Cornwall’s only win came from Cameron Gurd (Truro) and Tristan Barnes (West Cornwall), whilst Zak Cook (Mullion) and Josh Hodge (Truro) halved their match.
Cornwall U4s v Wiltshire - matchsheet
On the second day the juniors travelled to Windlesham Golf Club, Surrey to play an extremely strong Surrey team. Surrey’s highest handicap was 13 (ours 20) so it was decided to play off handicap. The format was 9 holes fourball betterball and 9 hole singles. The fourball betterball was played with ¾ handicap difference and the singles was full handicap difference.
Surrey dominated the fourball betterball match and took a 6-1 lead going into the singles. Cornwall’s only win came from Joe Reynard (Truro) and Rhys Kerton (Mullion). The singles was a much tighter affair with both team winning 7 of the 14 singles. Cornish wins came from Jack Andrew (Truro), Ricardo Sanchez (St Austell), Morgan Craven (Truro),Lewis Woolaway (China Fleet), Ewan Warren (St Austell) and George Law (Truro). All of this meant an overall win for Surrey 14 points to 8.
Cornwall U14s v Surrey - matchsheet
The final match was against Gloucestershire at the Bristol Golf Club on the Wednesday. Cornwall had a slightly stronger team on paper but Gloucestershire led after the morning 9 hole foursomes by 4 matches to 3. Cornish wins came from Andrew playing with Craven, Tom Stephens and Liam Wilson (both Truro), whilst Reynard playing with Barnes and Warren with Hodge both gained halves. This set up a very interesting afternoon and it was an extremely close match throughout with some great golf being played.
Gloucestershire won four of the first six singles matches and looked like they were heading for victory. Reynard in the 1st match and Andrew in the 3rd match managed wins to have Gloucestershire leading by 3 matches. Wilson won his match 2 and 1 and when Craven won the 18th hole to halve his match it all started to become very tense.
The next two matches proved pivotal as both Sanchez and Cook went to the 18 tee all square but when both won the last hole to record 1 up victories the overall match was level at 8.5 games each.
In the final four games Law lost 1 down but there were victories for Woolaway, Warren and Hodge to as the Cornwall team secured victory on the final day of the tour by 11.5 matches to 9.5.
Cornwall U14s v Gloucestershire - matchsheet
It was an extremely close game and our thanks go to Wiltshire, Surrey and Gloucestershire for being such great hosts during the tour. Truro’s Joe Reynard and Jack Andrew were the top points scorers of the tour each gaining three points from a possible 5 but even better was the fact that all the players involved contributed to the excellent overall team spirit and had at least one win themselves.
The team would like to thank the parents responsible for sponsorship of the tour and also the Cornwall Golf Union for its contribution to what was a very enjoyable time.
Thanks go to Phil Craven from Blades Salon in Truro for sponsoring the U14’s ties, Andy Wilson from Aggregate Industries who sponsored the sweatshirts, Gary Andrew from Diamond Clean on sponsoring the team badges on the jackets and Mark Stephen’s from St Austell Brewery on supplying water and bananas for the three days.
This was a valuable experience for the U14s for whom there are high hopes for this year in the regional matches they will play as part of the Jack Roberts League and also for the SWCGA U14 Championship which takes place at Kingsdown GC at the end of May. The team are a strong closely knit contingent developed under the watchful eyes of County Development Officer Simon Wood, who, together with a number of parents accompanied the boys, and the CGU Junior Section.
U14 League Matches 2015
28th July v Dorset at Whitsand Bay GC
21st August v Devon at Trethorne GC
24th August v Somerset at Long Sutton GC
Junior Golf in the county received a massive boost this week in the form of monies donated to them by the membership of Lostwithiel Golf Club. The club ceased to function at the end of last year but the members determined remaining funds would be passed on to both the County Ladies Golf Association and the Cornwall Golf Union specifically for the development of junior golf in the county.
Juniors beaten by the Ladies ....... just!!
The Cornwall Under 18's took on the Cornwall County Ladies on Saturday at Launceston Golf Club in the early spring sunshine. Both teams are pictured above. The Under 18 boys fielded a strong side which included West Cornwall's County Junior Captain Harry Hall who was just back from England Training in Portugal, The ladies played a team comprising a combination of youth and experience.
It turned out to be the closest of matches which the Ladies won by the smallest of margins with just one point separating the two sides as they amassed a total of 274 points to the boys 273 points, with the 9 best scores from each team counting.
The star of the ladies team was young Danielle Price (Perranporth) who achieved an excellent 42 points with the boys top scorer being Jamie Crocker (Truro) on 36. Ultimately the ladies prevailed as three of their number made birdies on the parkland's course par 5 closing hole. (Victoria Pawley (Trevose), Abi Maude (Carlyon Bay) and Wendy Briggs (Launceston) with only Jared Mortimore (Truro) achieving the same feat for the boys.
Ladies Scores: Danielle Price 42, Megan Giles (St Mellion) 33, Victoria Pawley 32, Gemma Marsland (Newquay) 31, Wendy Briggs 28, Nikki Hodge (Perranporth) 28, Lyn Saget (Carlyon Bay)27, Laura Andrew (Truro) 27, Jan Harrison (Launceston)26, Abi Maude 26, Olivia Trewhela (Truro)25, and Emily Wilson (Truro) 22.
Boys Scores: Jamie Crocker 36, James Wirth (West Cornwall)33, Kieran Faulkner (Looe) 32, George Leigh (Trevose)31, Jared Mortimore 30, Finn Rule (West Cornwall) 29, Jack Andrew (Truro)29, Joe Reynard (Truro) 27, Connor Davidson (Mullion)26, Harry Hall 26, Bradley Barnes (West Cornwall) 25, and Ben Browning (Falmouth) 22.
Juniors beat Seniors but lose to Devon
CGU U18s v CGU Seniors - Perranporth GC Wednesday 18th February 2015
CGU U18s v Devon U18s - St Enodoc GC Friday 20th February 2015
On Wednesday 18th February Cornwall Juniors won their first match of the year against an experienced Cornwall Seniors side at Perranporth Golf Club, the sides were evenly matched on paper and it proved to be a close match with only Jared Mortimore & Joe Reynard (Truro) in the first match dominating as they raced to 4 up through 4 holes against Simon Harper (St Austell) & Bob Cope (Tehidy Park) a lead they held to the end finishing 4 & 3 winners.
Through 10 holes all the other matches had no more than one hole separating the pairings. Jake Finn (Truro) & George Leigh (Trevose) made it 2 - 0 when they powered to 3 & 2 win over David O'Mahony (Tehidy Park) & Mike Ellis (Trevose) with three birdies in four holes. The Seniors then gained a point as Jamie Crocker (Truro) and Kieran Faulkner (Looe) lost 1 down on 18 to Andy Rowe (Looe) & Mike Eddy (Tehidy Park).
Ben Browning (Falmouth) and Connor Davidson (Mullion) restored a two match lead when they won 15 & 16 with birdies to win a close match 3 & 2 against Nigel Hurst (Looe)& Alan Creber (Launceston).
The Seniors then gained a further point through Alan Poole (St Mellion) & Ross Durkin (Perranporth) with a 3 & 2 win over Jamie Barton (Launceston) and Simon Hobbs (Bowood Park) as they won five out of six holes.
The final match result was decided on 18 as Tom Chapman (Tehidy Park) and James Wirth (West Cornwall) held their nerve to win the 18th and their match 1 up against David Goodman (Bowood Park) & Mick Kelly giving the juniors a well earned 4 - 2 victory.
The age gap between the youngest and oldest player on the day was 53 years, providing yet another example of how golf can provide competition across the ages on a level playing field, something few other sports can boast. It is hoped this fixture can become an annual one providing a season opener and a good indicator of playing levels for the following season.
Pictured below are the U18 team which played against the Seniors.
Two days later the Cornwall Juniors took on their counterparts from Devon in their annual friendly, played at an immaculate condition St Enodoc Golf Club.
Despite the reasonable weather conditions on a dry but cold day both teams struggled to score well. Playing a scratch stableford format with the best 10 scores from the 12 man teams to count it was Devon who came out on top by the small margin of 7 points. winning 255pts to 248pts. For Devon each boy averaged 25:5 points as against Cornwall’s 24:8.
Cornwall's top performer was Jared Mortimore (32 points) with Connor Davidson (29) and George Leigh (28) also putting in good performances. For Devon Tom Trowbridge with a gross 71 (34 points) was top performer followed by Sam Keyte from their U16 squad, with 29 points, Sam Williams with 28 points and Matt Cooper with 27.
The match was played in a competitive but friendly manner and both Devon and Cornwall teams expressed their thanks to the Green Keepers and the Catering and Admin staff for the wonderful day that all their contingents enjoyed.
U18 Teams for Upcoming Matches Named
The new CGU U18 Team Manager Andy Mortimore has named his teams for two upcoming matches taking place this week.
The first of these sees the U18s take on the CGU Seniors team in a friendly betterball event over the links at Perranporth tomorrow, Wednesday 18th February 2015. The team is Jared Mortimore , Jake Finn, Jamie Crocker, Joe Reynard (Truro), Kieran Faulkner (Looe), George Leigh (Trevose), Connor Davidson (Mullion), Tom Lentern, Ben Browning (Falmouth), James Wirth (West Cornwall), Jamie Barton (Launceston) and Simon Hobbs (Bowood Park).
As if to provide the boys with some added incentive CGU Seniors Captain Mike Marshall said with tongue firmly in his cheek "This will provide an extra get together for the Seniors and an opportunity for us to view the talent for the future, whilst reminding them of the quality of the players that preceded them."
After the match the two teams will dine together and Mortimore says "I am keen for the boys to sit down after the game and to just talk golf with the seniors. It will be a good test for the team and additional match practice ahead of Friday's match v Devon".
The annual friendly fixture with Devon will be staged at St Enodoc GC on Friday 20th February when teams of 12 from both counties will play in a stableford format with the best ten scores to count towards totals. Cornwall sprung a surprise win over their rivals last year away at Thurlestone and will be looking to repeat the result. The team for Friday is the same as above with just the one change as Tom Chapman (Tehidy Park) replaces Tom Lentern.
Hutton Hatrick for Niall in Order of Merit
CGU Junior Order of Merit 2014
Now that the CGU Junior season is concluded the various Order of Merits have been finalised and prizes were presented yesterday as part of the presentation following the Junior Maxam Cup.
The main Junior Order of Merit was won for the third year running by Niall Hutton (Trevose pictured above). Niall had been lying in second place going into the final event of the year earlier this month, shot an excellent 71 at the St Enodoc Junior Open to win that event and claw his way past season long leader Alex McHugh (Mullion) to win the Order of Merit by just 3 points. Juniors President Phil Linaker praised Niall's performance and referred to the fact Niall had been part of the junior section in Cornwall for the past 6 years. He wished Niall well as he now moves out of the Junior Section into the full men's category, and presented him with the OoM Shield and a CGU personalised golf bag.
The U16 Scratch Order of Merit was won convincingly by Jared Mortimore (Truro pictured above) who strung together a series of consistently good performances across the 8 qualifying events from April through to September to amass a total of 85.5 OoM points. These included one outright win and three runner up spots to seal the prize by some margin from Ben Browning (Falmouth) on 69.5 points.
The U16 nett Order of Merit also saw a convincing winner in the form of diminutive 13 year old Ricardo Sanchez (St Austell pictured above). He reached the top of the tree despite only playing in 5 of the 8 events totalling 68 OoM points to claim the salver from Alex Manuel (Trethorne) on 52.5.
Truro are Junior Maxam Cup Champions
Lanhydrock GC Wednesday 29th October 2014
Truro Golf Club's strong Junior section claimed another title yesterday as they won the 2014 Junior Maxam Cup Trophy at Lanhydrock GC defeating 8 other junior teams. With the Lanhydrock course presented in excellent autumn condition the only concern for the organisers, with hooters at the ready, was a persistent mist which threatened at one stage to halt play for the 54 competitors. Fortunately though the poor visibility throughout just enabled play to be completed.
The winning Truro Team (L to R) Olivia Trewelha, Jared Mortimore, Joe Reynard, Jake Finn, Ryan House and Emily Wilson
The foundation for Truro's overall gross win was laid by opening pair Jared Mortimore and Joe Reynard who returned a gross 74 (3 over par) in the foursomes medal format with the two best pairs scores from 3 to count. With Jake Finn and Ryan House following this up with a 76, the 85 of Olivia Trewelha and Emily Wilson could be discarded giving a Truro gross total of 150, which saw them complete a 4 shot victory over Mullion on 154. The highlight of the Mullion team's performance was an excellent gross 71 (1 over par)scored by Connor Davidson and Alex McHugh which saw them lay claim to the prize for best gross pairs score of the day. Mortimore and Reynard's score earned them the best nett pair prize.
On the basis of the one prize only rule, the gross runners up were Falmouth GC (170) with their best score coming from Tom Lentern and Charlie Scorse who shot 84.
In the handicap element to the competition, the winners were Mullion as Callum Alexander and Rhys Kerton provided the second counting score of 83 (nett 75) to add to the earlier excellent 71 (nett 66.5) by Davidson and McHugh for a team nett total of 141.5. Runners up were Tehidy Park GC with their counting scores coming from the fast improving Amy Butt and partner Harriet Rowe (95 nett 73.5) and Tom Chapman and Stephanie Curnoe (85 nett 74.5) for a total of 148, just pipping St Mellion on 148.5 and Killiow on 149.
CGU Juniors President Phil Linaker welcomed all the juniors, junior organisers and parents to Lanhydrock and thanked the club for their excellent hospitality before carrying out the presentations.
Pictures above show Jared Mortimore with Joe Reynard, Alex McHugh and Connor Davidson, along with the Falmouth and Mullion teams.
St Mellion Capture Bolitho
George Bolitho League Finals
Carlyon Bay GC Sunday 14th September 2014
The winning St Mellion Junior Team Back Row (L to R) Oliver Western, Matt Cooper, Freddy Stapleton, Dominic Chiswell, Harry Hutchinson Front: Harry Western, Lewis Woolaway and Ashleigh Woolaway (Reserve)
St Mellion Juniors (pictured above) claimed the George Bolitho League Winners Shield yesterday at a beautiful Carlyon Bay after defeating a strong Mullion side in the final. After a morning semi final win against Lanhydrock St Mellion got the better of Mullion who had beaten Truro earlier in the day. All the clubs had reached the final by topping tables in the four regions across the county in a series of round robin matches culminating in a semi final and finals day.
In the morning encounters St Mellion beat Lanhydrock 4.75 - 2, despite having to give shots to their opponents in every match. Wins for St Mellion came from Captain Dominic Chiswell, Harry Hutchinson, Oliver Western and Freddy Stapleton. For Lanhydrock the wins were for Jake Alcock in the top match as he beat Matt Cooper and Callum Tully who beat Lewis Woolaway.
In the other semi final Mullion beat Truro 4.25 - 2.5 in what was a close match. Mullion’s wins came from Connor Davidson, Calum Alexander, Angus Longden and Connor Flynn whilst there was a half for Jamie Greet against Jared Mortimore. Two of Truro’s three girls in the side had wins. Laura Andrew beat Rhys Kerton and Olivia Trewelha beat Sam Bisson.
This led to an afternoon 3rd and 4th place playoff between Truro and Lanhydrock. In an impressive move Truro Junior Organiser Andy Mortimore, with nothing to lose, changed his entire team thereby enabling the large Truro contingent present to all have played a part in the day. However Lanhydrock, despite being a man short took the honours with halves for Alcock and Josh Galvin added to wins for Jacob Turner, Tom Crowe, Tully and Jonty Colman. The halves for Truro came from Liam Wilson and Josh Hodge. The final score Lanhydrock 5 - 1.75 Truro.
In the early stages of the final St Mellion appeared to have the upperhand as they led in three of the matches plus the all important 7th man game. In fact it was the diminutive 8 year old 7th Man Harry Western who put St Mellion in the driving seat as he delivered a 6&5 win against Connor Flynn. In the top match of the afternoon Mullion’s Greet halved his match with Cooper and Connor Davidson showed true grit as he fought back from 5 down to gain a half against Chiswell. However St Mellion wins from Hutchinson (2&1 against Alexander), Western (1 up against Kerton) and Woolaway (3&1 against Bisson) saw St Mellion home and dry. In the other match on the course Stapleton and Longden agreed a half, leaving the final score St Mellion 5.25 - 1.5 Mullion. On paper the margin of victory appears larger than the reality of the match and Mullion put up a good battle and where by no means disgraced especially as they were forced to concede shots in all but one of the games.
All four teams dined together at the conclusion before Cornwall Golf Union Juniors Vice President Simon Ferguson-Smith presented the prizes in front of the many players, junior organisers, parents and supporters. He thanked Carlyon Bay GC for their excellent hospitality which combined with a dry and warm day had ensured everyone participating had enjoyed.
Semi Final 1 St Mellion v Lanhydrock
3rd Place Playoff Lanhydrock v Truro
McHugh Masters Mullion Meeting
CGU Junior Autumn Meeting
Sunday 7th September 2014 Mullion GC
Alex McHugh (pictured above with CGU Past President Gerry Fitter MBE) recorded two excellent rounds of golf over his home course yesterday to claim the major prize at the Cornwall Golf Union Junior Autumn Meeting at Mullion yesterday.
Playing off a 3 handicap his morning 72 was followed by a 73 for a 5 over par total of 145 giving him a two shot victory and the Penhale Cup over Looe’s in form Kieran Faulkner (73, 74 = 147).
McHugh (pictured above playing from the greenside bunker on 7) was in good touch all day long but after round 1 was a shot behind Niall Hutton (Trevose). Hutton’s 71 was the equal best round of the day but he could only manage a 77 to finish third on 148. Fourth place in the overall scoring went to Falmouth’s Ben Browning (77, 73 = 150), fifth was Mullion Club Champion Josh Chaplin (73, 77 = 150) and sixth was CGU Junior County Captain Connor Jenkins (Bude & N Cornwall, 80, 71 = 151).
McHugh also claimed the John Dingle Trophy with the best Mullion members gross score over the day.
There were a number of other prizewinners on the day.
William Trew (Perranporth, below left) won the Chris Brian Trophy for the best morning gross score by an under 14 year old with his round of 80.
Ben Browning (Falmouth, below middle)took the Jubilee Tankard for the best gross score over the day by an Under 16 year old.
Alex Manuel (Trethorne, below right) claimed the Reg Curtis Salver for the best overall nett score with nett rounds of 70 and 69 for a 139 total off his 12 handicap.
11 year old Thomas Stephens (Truro, pictured above right teeing off) claimed the prize for the best U14 morning nett score with a nett 68. Second was Zach Cook (Mullion) with a nett 76 and 3rd was Cameron Gurd (Truro) with a nett 77.
Other handicap prizes
(19 - 28 handicaps)
1st Josh Hodge (Truro) 69 & 71 for Nett total of 140
2nd George Law (Truro) 72 & 74 for Nett total of 146
(10 - 18 handicaps)
1st Noah Badcock (West Cornwall) 70 & 70 for Nett total of 140
2nd Danny Sweet (Carlyon Bay) 69 & 75 for Nett total of 144
(0 - 9 handicaps)
1st Kieran Faulkner (Looe) 70 & 71 for Nett total of 141
2nd Josh Chaplin (Mullion) 70 &74 for Nett total of 144
McHugh’s win sees him consolidate his position at the top of the 2014 CGU Junior Order of Merit with just the one counting event remaining in the Junior Open at St Enodoc GC on Sunday 5th October. The nearest challenger is Niall Hutton who sits just behind McHugh and ensures the hunt for the title goes to the wire as Hutton seeks to claim the OoM for the third year running.
(Below L to R: Connor Davidson putts at 6 watched by Ben Browning and Zach Burrough, Connor Jenkins chips at 7, CGU Flag, Beautiful Mullion backdrop and Bradley Page pitches at the 10th)
Mullion beat Truro in Summer Knockout Final
Brian Gripe Trophy
Friday 29th August 2014 at Falmouth GC
Mullion Juniors secured the title in the Junior Summer Knockout when they defeated Truro to capture the Brian Gripe Trophy at Falmouth GC on Friday. In so doing they exacted some revenge over Truro. to whom they had lost in the same final the previous year. This is Mullion's 3rd win in the competition in 4 years.
The team, pictured above with proud Manager Tony Bayliss (L to R Josh Chaplin. Callum Alexander, Connor Davidson, Alex McHugh and Jamie Greet) won the 36 hole singles matchplay final by a 5 - 0 margin.
In a thrilling match Mullion came out on top after assuming control during the morning session. At lunch they were up in 4 of the 5 matches and down in just the one. Callum Alexander was 2up against Lewis Annear, Connor Davidson was 2up against Emily Wilson, Jamie Greet was 1 down against Ryan House, Alex McHugh was totally in control at 10up against Joe Reynard and Josh Chaplin was 5up against Jake Finn.
In the afternoon the strongest challenge came from Truro's Finn who got to within 1 hole after 10 but eventually lost to Chaplin 2down. At the conclusion, Alexander beat Annear 4+3, Davidson beat Wilson 6+5, Greet turned his match around to beat House 1up, Alex McHugh beat Reynard comfortably and Chaplin beat Finn 2up.
County Junior President Phil Linaker congratulated both teams on reaching the final before presenting the prizes. He warmly thanked Falmouth GC for their hospitality in hosting the event.
Wood's Successive Success as U12 beat the Girls
Cornwall County Development Officer Simon Wood has managed back to back wins with his most recent selections with his latest success coming from the Boys U12s team as they defeated the County Girls U14s at Truro yesterday, in what was a very exciting match.
The format was 11 stableford singles playing off full handicap, with the best 8 scores out of the 11 players to count per team.
With the Girls having won the previous two encounters it looked like they were going to make it three in a row with a slender lead after 8 scores had been returned. However, the match turned in the boys favour in matches 9 and 10, when Truro juniors Jake Singleton and George Law both returned excellent 42 point scores which meant the trophy headed to the U12 Boys for the first time.
The final tallies were U12 Boys 288 - 273 U14 Girls
The top scores for the girl's team were returned by West Cornwall’s Emily Jenkin on 40 points and Truro's Emily Wilson with 39 points.
All of the juniors that played in the match are part of the Cornwall Junior Coaching programme and there was some fantastic golf played by both teams.
Pictured below are the very happy looking Cornwall U12s Boys Team
(L to R): Zack Cook (Mullion), George Law (Killiow), Josh Hodge (Truro), Morgan Craven (Truro), Ewan Warren (St Austell), Lewis Woolaway (China Fleet, Captain), Jake Singleton (Truro), Cameron Gurd (Killiow), Thomas Stephens (Truro), Liam Wilson (Truro) and Archie Andrew (Truro).
End of Season Inter County Finishing Positions
In the Jack Roberts U14 League, Dorset are the winners having won all their 3 matches against Cornwall, Devon and Somerset to top the table with 6 points. Cornwall sneak 2nd place based on the result of their final match against Devon who finish 3rd ahead of 4th placed Somerset.
The Ben Enoch U16 League also goes to Dorset after again winning all three of their fixtures. Devon are the runners up with Cornwall in 3rd place ahead of Somerset.
So well done to Dorset for winning both the U14 and U15 inter county leagues this year.
In the Roy Greenaway U18 Trophy Cornwall finish bottom of the table behind Somerset and winners Devon, who won both their matches.
So congratulations to Devon.
Wood hails U14s first win
Devon U14s 4 - 5 Cornwall U14s Jack Roberts Trophy
Friday 22nd August 2014 Staddon Heights GC
A very happy looking Cornwall U14s Team (Back Row L to R: Finn Rule, Will Trew, Freddie Norris and Jack Andrew. Front Row: Joe Reynard, Thomas Stephens, George Leigh and Liam Wilson)
Team Manager and Cornwall Golf Partnership Development Officer Simon Wood was ecstatic after his U14 County junior boys team gained their first win by beating Devon 5 - 4 on their opponents home turf at Staddon Heights GC, Plymouth. Despite not having had a win in many outings under his leadership the portents for the future remain good as many of his young team can still appear next season at the same level.
On a good golfing day weatherwise for the players but cool for the considerable number of parents and onlookers, the Cornish boys started slowly in the morning 9 hole foursomes and found themselves 2 - 1 down at the luncheon interval. Captain Finn Rule (West Cornwall) playing with Freddie Norris (Killiow) lost 2&1 and Joe Reynard (Truro) and Will Trew (Perranporth) lost 1 down. The morning point though came from Jack Andrew (Truro) and George Leigh (Trevose) as they secured a vital 2&1 win to keep the Duchy team in the overall match.
Pictures above (L to R) The scene around the first tee, Joe Reynard drives at the 1st, Jack Andrew hits his first shot watched by partner George Leigh.
The afternoon 18 hole singles proved to be the turning point though as Cornwall took 4 of the 6 matches to win the match 5 - 4.
Reynard won 3&2 at the top and was followed by Leigh who won by the odd hole. When Rule was beaten 2 down things remained in the balance but an excellent win 4&3 by Andrew and then by Trew (2&1) saw the Duchy home and dry.
When the U14 matches are staged it has become customary for both teams to play a couple of reserves so that they too can gain valuable match experience. In this case Liam Wilson and Thomas Stephens narrowly lost a foursomes match by the odd hole and weer beaten in their singles games also. Nevertheless they too were part of the winning team.
The Cornish team have won just the one match in the tri county series that make up the Jack Roberts Trophy contenders but all of their matches have had the same scoreline 5 -4 and this just serves to illustrate why hopes for the future are high for a team that will in the main be together again next year.
U16s narrowly beaten by Devon
Devon U16s 6.5 - 5.5 Cornwall U16s Ben Enoch League
Friday 22nd August 2014 Staddon Heights GC
In their last Ben Enoch inter county league fixture of the season Cornwall put up a good fight away from home against their Devon counterparts at Staddon Heights GC on Friday but were narrowly beaten.
In the morning foursomes Cornwall won one of the four and halved the other to go into lunch 2.5-1.5 down. In the top match the Duchy pairing of Jordan Musitano (West Cornwall) and Ben Browning (Falmouth) were well beaten 6&4 by their lower handicap opposition and the all West Cornwall duo of Bradley Barnes and James Wirth lost 2 down. The half came from Captain Jared Mortimore (Truro) playing with Bowood Park debutant Simon Hobbs, who having got themselves into a winning position after an improbable birdie to go 2 up after 16, then badly lost the last two holes to hand their opponents an easy half. The Cornish win came in an excellent performance from Connor Davidson (Mullion) and first timer at U16 level Tom Lentern (Falmouth).
It was a good day for both Hobbs and Lentern in their first U16 outing as both won their afternoon singles. 1up and 2&1 respectively. Another good win for Davidson and one for Browning saw the Duchy halve the singles but the four defeats for Mortimore (4&2), Musitano (7&5), Wirth (7&5) and Barnes (3&2) meant the overall result was a win for Devon by 6.5 - 5.5.
This final result sees Devon finish behind winners Dorset but above Somerset in the three counties group.
Pictures above (from L to R) Tom Lentern drives at the 5th, Jordan Musitano with some tree trouble, Jordan Musitano 'Ah it's better out here!, Ben Browning watches a difficult chip, Tom Lentern and Connor Davidson wait to tee off, Bradley Barnes in customary headwear, Quick check to see how our mates are getting on, Connor Davidson driving at 14, Jared Mortimore lets one go at 16, and Simon Hobbs putts at 18.
U14s lose to Somerset
Cornwall U14s 4 - 5 Somerset U14s Jack Roberts Trophy
Monday 18th August 2014, Newquay GC
Glorious Newquay provides a great backdrop for this picture of the Cornwall U14s (Back Row L to R Joe Reynard, Finn Rule, Tristan Barnes Front Row Rhys Kerton, George Leigh and Jack Andrew)
The Cornwall U14's suffered a disappointing loss to Somerset U14's at home in the second Jack Roberts Trophy match of the season.
In the morning the foursomes were dominated by Somerset who took all three matches. Joe Reynard (Truro) playing with Finn Rule (West Cornwall) lost 3&2, George Leigh (Trevose) and partner Jack Andrew (Truro) lost 2&1 and Tristan Barnes (West Cornwall) and Rhys Kerton (MUllion) lost by just the one hole.
After lunch Cornwall came out strong in the opening two singles match with emphatic 5&4 wins for both Reynard and Leigh. Under 14's Captain Finn Rule played against an opponent in good form and lost 3&2. In the 4th and 5th match Kerton and Andrew played steady golf to record fine wins by 3&2 and 5&4 respectively.
For the second match running the score was 4 matches all with Tristan Barnes in the deciding match. Unfortunately Barnes lost his match 3 and 2 and this meant second successive 5 - 4 defeat for the Duchy.
Cornwall would like to thank host Newquay Golf Club for their kind hospitality and the excellent condition of the course.
The Cornwall Under 14's final Jack Roberts match is against Devon at Staddon Height Golf Club on Friday 22nd August.
U18s well beaten at home by Devon
Cornwall U18s 4.5 - 10.5 Devon U18s Greenaway Trophy
Friday 15th August 2014, Launceston GC
The Cornwall U18 team was well beaten on home turf at Launceston today by their Devon counterparts. The final score of 10.5 - 4.5 emphasised the gulf between the two counties with Devon's strength in depth coming to the fore.
After Cornwall’s good start to the year beating Devon in the friendly at Thurleston and finishing above them in the Six Counties event, hopes were high for another win. Alas not to be, in the mornings foursomes, Niall Hutton and Jamie Crocker lost 4&3, Josh Chaplin and James Wirth lost 4&3 and Jake Finn and Joe Miners lost 1 down. There was a win for Connor Jenkins and Kieran Faulkner and a fighting half by Jared Mortimore and Ben Browning.
Being 1.5 - 3.5 down after the morning it was always going to be a battle, and despite trying hard, Connor Jenkins and Josh Chaplin both lost 5&4, Jared Mortimore lost 4&3, Kieran Faulkner lost by just the 1 hole, Ben Browning lost 2&1, Joe Miners lost 3&1 and after a strong fight back James Wirth lost on the 18th. There were wins for Niall Hutton 2&1, Jake Finn 3&2 and Jamie Crocker 2up. This was a disappointing result for all concerned and sees Cornwall finish bottom of the three county group in the Roy Greenaway Trophy Competition.
Above (L to R) Joe Miners plays from the bunker on 15, Jake Finn eyes up his putt, Graham Moore and Phil Linaker watch play, Ben Browning and Jared Mortimore wait to play, Ben Browning drives at 16 and the U18 Cornwall Boys Team.
Back row (L to R) Joe Miners (Porthpean), Josh Chaplin (Mullion), Niall Hutton (Trevose), Connor Jenkins (Bude & N Cornwall Capt), Jamie Crocker, Jared Mortimore (Truro), Peter Church (U18 Manager) Front Row: Ben Browning (Falmouth), Kieran Faulkner (Looe), Jake Finn (Truro) and James Wirth (West Cornwall)
Tehidy Park Juniors Disappointment
English Junior Champion Club
Woodhall Spa, Lincs 9th/10th August 2014
Tehidy Park's juniors were left disappointed and a long way from home after Cosby GC from Leicestershire and Rutland won the Junior Champion Club Tournament without striking a ball on Sunday. Tehidy's juniors who qualified for the event after winning at The Point at Polzeath GC back in April, were forced to take the long journey back to Cornwall after the weather intervened. The remnants of Hurricane Bertha were to blame after it left the Bracken Course unplayable, forcing officials to abandon the round after less than three hours play.
Persistent heavy rain from a dark gray sky following an overnight downpour left the fairways waterlogged and only half the field had begun their second rounds when a halt was called.
“The continual rain left the fairways unplayable,” said chief referee Michael Rees. “If the rain had stopped we might have been able to resume. But it would have taken more than an hour to clear the surface water.
“The greens were fine but the fairways were the problem. What’s more, the forecast was for more rain and some of the teams had a long way to travel home. So I had to make a decision which was a pity.”
The Tehidy team of Amy Butt, Tom and Josh Chapman had travelled to the Headquarters of England on Friday for a practice round and then played the first of two scheduled rounds on Saturday. In that round Amy returned an excellent 37 points whilst Josh and Tom scored 27 and 26 points respectively. In the format where the best two team scores count that left Tehidy Park in 22nd place out of the 34 clubs competing.
Sadly the weather then put paid to the team's hopes of improving their position in round two.
U18s v Somerset
Somerset U18s 8.5 - 6.5 Cornwall U18s Greenaway Trophy
Taunton Vale GC Tuesday 5th August 2014
Cornwall under 18’s were so near yet so far from a win at Taunton Vale, with both teams slightly depleted due to holidays and national duties. Certainly on paper the team stood every chance of a win.
After all our good weather someone decided to rain on our parade with heavy rain much of the day, some of it being monsoon like.
In the mornings foursomes the Cornish pairs of Niall Hutton and Jake Finn lost 5&3, James Wirth and Ben Browning lost 5&4. In a close match Jared Mortimore and Ryan House lost on the 18th. However, both Connor Jenkins and Kieran Faulkner, and Josh Chaplin and Connor Davidson won on the 18th.
With only one match in it at 3 - 2, it was all to play for in the afternoon.
All was looking good with Jake Finn 4 up after 4 but then he was pegged back and beaten on the 18th, Niall Hutton was soundly beaten 4&3, Connor Davidson went down 3&2 and Jared Mortimore lost on the 18th. Ryan House put up a spirited fight in his match and after being 3 down fought back to just the one and then lost on 16. Connor Jenkins gave a Captain’s performance with a 9&7 win, and there followed further good wins for Josh Chaplin 4&3, Kieran Faulkner 2&1, Ben Browning 4&3 and a really good half by James Wirth who was 1 up going down 18. Unfortunately James was not able to make up and down for the half needed.
The team take a lot of positives from this match into the next game so bring on Devon on the 15th August at Launceston.
U16s v Dorset
Dorset 9 - 3 Cornwall Ben Enoch Trophy
Bridport & West Dorset GC Thursday 30th July 2014
Cornwall's U16 team took a battering at the hands of their Dorset equivalents at Bridport & West Dorset GC in their opening Ben Enoch Trophy match as they lost 9-3 in a poor overall team performance. Dorset have already wrapped up the title having previously won both their matches against Devon and Somerset.
The writing was on the wall after a morning foursomes whitewash in favour of Dorset with no Cornish pairing able to take their match beyond the 16th hole. There were heavy defeats for Tom Chapman (Tehidy Park) playing with Zak Omlo (St Austell) as they lost 7&5 and also for the West Cornwall pairing of Jordan Musitano and James Wirth as they went down 7&6. Truro's Jared Mortimore playing with Ben Browning (Falmouth) lost 4&3 and Connor Davidson (Mullion) playing with Jon Rowe (Bowood Park) lost 4&2.
There was a more spirited afternoon performance by the Cornish and despite losing the overall singles 5-3 some pride was regained with wins for Mortimore, Browning and Davidson. Omlo lost by the odd hole.
The U16s next match is against Somerset at Newquay GC on Monday 18th August 2014
U14s v Dorset
Jack Roberts Trophy Dorset 5 - 4 Cornwall
Bridport & West Dorset GC Thursday 30th July 2014
Cornwall's George Leigh plays from the bunker at Bridport.
Cornwall U14's went down to a 5-4 defeat against Dorset U14's at Bridport and West Dorset Golf Club in the first Jack Roberts Trophy match of the 2014 season.
Cornwall U14s Captain Finn Rule looks like he is playing into the English Channel at Bridport.
In the morning foursomes the top Cornish U14 pairing of Captain Finley Rule (West Cornwall) and Rhys Kerton (Mullion) lost by 2 holes. George Leigh (Trevose) and Jack Andrew (Truro) played some very steady golf to win the 2nd match by 2 and 1 and the final pairing of Joe Reynard (Truro) and Tristan Barnes (West Cornwall) won their match 2 up to leave the Cornish youngsters in a good position at lunch.
Despite taking the 2 matches to 1 lead into the singles, Cornwall however did not build on the morning success as Dorset's top 3 players played well and won the first three points in the singles. There were defeats for Reynard (4 and 3), Leigh (1 down) and Kerton (4 and 3), before Cornwall got back into the match with Finley Rule (2 and 1) and Jack Andrew (5 and 4) managing two fine wins. This left the match at 4 all with just Tristan Barnes in the final match out on the course. Unfortunately Tristan lost his match by 2 and 1 and this resulted in a Dorset win by 5 matches to 4.
Two Cornish eleven year olds also attended the match as reserves and played against their Dorset counterparts. Morgan Craven (St Enodoc) and Cameron Gurd (Killiow) both lost their matches but will have gained some considerable experience for a promising looking future for both boys.
The Cornwall U14 Team pictured at Bridport before their match against Dorset. (L to R: Morgan Craven, Rhys Kerton, Cameron Gurd, Tristan Barnes, George Leigh, Finn Rule, Joe Reynard and Jack Andrew)
The overall match proved an excellent game and well done to both teams.
The Cornwall Under 14's would like to thank Bridport and West Dorset Golf Club for hosting the match.
The next match for the U14s takes place on Monday 18th August against Somerset at Newquay GC.
SWCGA Boys Championship
Bowood G&CC, Wiltshire Wednesday 9th July 2014
Yet again a very smart looking Cornwall Boys Team (L to R Harry Hall, Jared Mortimore, Alex McHugh, Connor Jenkins, Jake Finn, Ben Browning, Josh Chaplin and Niall Hutton)
Eight Cornwall Boys travelled to Bowood Golf & Country Club, Wiltshire to take part in the South Western Counties Golf Association Boys Championship on a dry but very windy day. The format dictated that six of the eight would be named as the counting players for the team event which runs alongside an individual competition and which leads to the National Boys County Finals. The Duchy team of Connor Jenkins (Junior County Captain), Harry Hall, Jake Finn, Josh Chaplin, Niall Hutton, Ben Browning, Alex McHugh and Jared Mortimore sadly failed to emulate the achievement of the County Men’s Team who qualified for the National Finals as they ended up in 5th place out of the 6 counties competing. It was little compensation to finish above Devon.
The boys were up against it from the off as they faced a tough 7000 yard plus course with the degree of difficulty exaggerated by the strong winds.
The Cornish morning scores were disappointing with only Hall and Hutton carding a score in the 70s. Hall’s two over par 74 left him in second place at lunch and three shots behind the appropriately named leader and playing partner James Wiltshire from the host county. Hutton was left ruing a poor finish to his round as he was level par through 14 holes before racking up both a double and a treble bogey in the last 4 holes to finish with a 5 over par 77. Sadly the remainder of the team fared even worse.
The boys then had to take on a second 18 holes and although they fared marginally better their team score was disappointing. Again the highlight for Cornwall was Hall as he returned a level par 72 for a 146 total which in the end left him as runner up by just the one shot to Wiltshire. Hutton returned a 78 and he and Hall were the only Cornish players in the top 30 places in what was a 60 player field.
The Team Championship and Qualifying round for the English Boys County Final to be played at Sandiway Golf Club in August was won by Wiltshire.
CGU U14 Championship
Tehidy Park GC Sunday 1st June 2014
Truro's Jack Andrew lifted the Cornwall Junior Under-14s Championship after shooting a fine gross round of 79 at Tehidy Park on Sunday.
He beat his fellow Truro clubmate Joe Reynard into second place to win Division 1 for 0-28 handicap players by just one shot, with West Cornwall's Tristan Barnes third on 83.
Bude and North Cornwall's Harry Macauley won the handicap section with a score of gross 89 net 68, with Barnes and Andrew in second and third places respectively on net 69.
The second division for 29-36 handicap players was a 13-hole Stableford and was won by home junior Matt Chapman with an excellent score of 32 points. In second place was St Austell's Fagan Houston on 29 points, beating Perranporth's Will Price into third place on countback.
The third division for handicaps between 37 and 54 was a 9-hole Stableford, which was won by Truro's Charlie Lerotholi with a superb score of 25 points, ahead of Truro's Fred Roby on 23 and Tehidy Park's Sam Bailey on 18.
Report courtesy of www.westbriton.co.uk
SWCGA U16 U14 Championship
Taunton Vale GC Friday 30th May 2014
The team pictured at the start of the day Back Row L to R Jordan Musitano (West Cornwall), Ben Browning (Falmouth), Tom Chapman (Tehidy Park), Jared Mortimore (Truro), Zak Omlo (St Austell), James Wirth (West Cornwall). Front Row Joe Reynard (Truro), George Leigh (Trevose), Finn Rule (West Cornwall) and Jack Andrew looking the part in support mode!
Six Cornwall Under 16s and 3 U14s travelled as a team to Taunton Vale GC to play in the South Western Counties Golf Association U16/U14 Championship. They were hoping to emulate the South West Four Counties success of the under 18's at West Cornwall in early April.
Sadly though this did not materialise as the boys came last in a very a disappointing sixth place and well behind the Devon winners.
There were however some notable performances as Truro's Jared Mortimore (pictured above) recorded a gross 73 and finished tied third in the individual competition and only two shots off the leader. Falmouth's Ben Browning also continues to show promise as he finished joint 9th with a gross 75.
Finn Rule (pictured above driving at the first) of West Cornwall GC was the best of the under 14's shooting a gross 80 and playing under his handicap to miss out on the under 14 nett prize by just the one shot.
South West Four Counties
West Cornwall GC 8th-10th April 2014
Cornwall's juniors made the most of home advantage with a double success in the South West Four Counties Championship played in fine conditions at West Cornwall last week.
The host club's England Under-16 international Harry Hall took the individual title after a marathon nine hole play-off victory over Somerset's Tom Sloman after both shot two under rounds of 67.
He was also the main contributor to the county team's triumph in the strokeplay section of the event.
Hall said: "Both Tom and I had chances to win and there were some great shots played, but in the end I got there .
"I have never played a 9-hole play-off before and hope I don't have to do it again."
Apart from Hall's superb 67, there were several other important contributions to Cornwall's victory in the team strokeplay event, with 15-year-old debutant Ben Browning (Falmouth) shooting an outstanding two over par 71.
A solid 73 from Mullion's Josh Chaplin and 74s from county junior captain Connor Jenkins (Bude and North Cornwall) and Niall Hutton (St Mellion), together with a 75 from Alex McHugh (Mullion) made up the scores to give Cornwall a winning total of 434, well clear of Devon (443), Dorset (447) and Somerset (453).
Cornwall did not fare so well in the matchplay section of the championship, losing all three matches by the narrowest of 4-3 margins.
Their opener against eventual winners Devon had to be decided by extra holes, with Hutton losing out at the fourth of these.
After losing by the same scoreline to Somerset, the hosts almost restored some pride against Dorset in their final match, forcing two matches to extra holes but to no avail as they went down to a third successive 4-3 defeat.
Cornwall U18s beat Devon
U18 Friendly Devon v Cornwall
Thurlestone GC Friday 21st February 2014
The Cornwall U18 team opened their season in style yesterday with a win over rivals Devon at Thurlestone GC.
In the 12 player team format where the 10 best individual stableford scores count the Cornish boys compiled a 255 points total to squeeze home by just two points against the Devon total of 253.
A very happy looking Cornwall U18s after their excellent win over Devon at Thurlestone GC yesterday. Also pictured are Phil Linaker CGU Junior President, Peter Church, Andy Mortimore (U16 Manager) and the CGU Director of Coaching and PGA Professional Matt Tucknott (West Cornwall)
With Cornwall averaging 25.5 points on a difficult day, extremely windy with the occasional heavy rain and hail shower, the team of Connor Jenkins (Capt), Josh Chaplin, Jake Finn, Kieran Faulkner, Ryan House, Ben Pill, Jared Mortimore, Connor Davidson, Zak Omlo, Ben Browning played consistently well, albeit over handicap, which was to be expected in the conditions.
Whilst Devon's Jacob Tinsley achieved the highest individual score of the day on 31 Josh Chaplin (Mullion) and Zak Omlo (St Austell) were the top scorers for Cornwall with 28 points each, whilst Jake Finn (Truro) scored 27 and CGU Junior Captain Connor Jenkins (Bude) and Ben Browning (Falmouth) both added 26 points. The rest of the team contributed at a level better than their opponents and this saw Cornwall through to victory.
Team Manager Peter Church said, 'It was pleasing to see such great commitment and endurance. Their individual performances have made selection for the Four Counties match really difficult, everyone has everything to play for to gain selection'.
Junior President Phil Linaker said 'Well done especially to Matt Tucknott and the coaching team, with whose help the boys have devloped a better attitude and approach to their games and let's hope it continues.
The Junior Officials watch as their teams tee off at Thurlestone yesterday.
The South West Four Counties event takes place at West Cornwall GC between 8th and 10th April when Cornwall will be looking to make the most of home advantage against teams from Devon, Dorset and Somerset.
Valentine's Day in Spain !
No this is not an offer to spend a February date in Iberia but instead a short report on three of our County Juniors who last week took part in the Andalucía European Junior Finals presented by Golforganiser.com and sponsored by the Daily Express last week over in Spain. Those who took part were Carlyon Bay's Tom Valentine, Bude & N Cornwall's Junior County Captain Connor Jenkins and Mullion's Josh Chaplin.
No doubt hoping for better weather, the three were part of a 37 man field who completed a total of five rounds of golf on two courses Alcaidesa and Finca Cortesin where the Volvo World Matchplay was held between 2010 and 2012. The players were treated to difficult very windy conditions and some rain.
Valentine certainly had a very good second round at Alcaidesa where he overcame the seriously strong winds to record a level par 72 which turned out to be the best round of the day to leave himself in joint 8th place.
All three Cornish players made the cut and thus played the final round at Finca Cortesin.
Valentine finished the event in joint 6th place, whilst Jenkins was joint 10th and Chaplin 24th.
Carlyon Bay and Truro win on Finals Day
George Bolitho Shield Final and Brian Gripe Junior Summer Knockout Finals
Friday 1st November 2013 Falmouth GC
Carlyon Bay today beat Killiow by the narrowest of margins (3.5 - 3.25) in the final of the 2013 George Bolitho Shield at Falmouth GC. In so doing they won the competition for the third year running and claimed their second trophy inside three days after winning the Junior Maxam Cup at Newquay earlier in the week.
The 7 members of the teams faced each other in singles matchplay. Carlyon Bay had to be patient after they lost the first two of the matches with Killiow's George Harrow and Jamie Crocker beating Charlie Stone and Tom Valentine 7&6 and 3&2 respectively. The two girls in the Carlyon team then levelled the scores at 2 - 2 as Eugenie Knight (3&1) and County Champion Emily Toy (3&2) beat Ben Cousins and Cameron Gurd. When Lewis Jackson beat Freddie Norris 4&3 with Louis Gough dormy 4 up in his game against Calum Williams Carlyon were home safe and sound. Gough and Williams settled on a half and in the other game Killiow's Ross Thomas had a comfortable 7&6 win over Danny Sweet.
Carlyon Bay with the George Bolitho Shield (L to R Charlie Stone, Eugenie Knight, Lewis Jackson, Tom Valentine, Danny Sweet, Emily Toy and Louis Gough.
The Killiow team still manage a smile. They are George Harrow, Jamie Crocker, Ben Cousins, Cameron Gurd, Calum Williams, Freddie Norris and Ross Thomas.
Also at the same venue Truro today beat Mullion 3-2 to lift the 36 hole Brian Gripe Junior Summer Knockout title. The win is a measure of revenge for Truro as last year they were beaten, also at Falmouth, by the same opponents. The 5 man teams faced each other in scratch singles matchplay over 36 holes and on paper were very evenly matched.
After a tense morning session Mullion held the upper hand as they were up in three of the games. As the afternoon progressed they maintained their position. Despite Truro's Jake Finn beating Mullion number one Josh Chaplin 5 &4, Mullion took the next two games as Jamie Greet beat Ryan House 4&3 and Connor Davidson saw off Jared Mortimore 3&1. Then as Lewis Annear got Truro level with a 3&2 win over Calum Alexander it all came down to the last hole where Truro's Howard Yeates holed a 3' putt to beat Ben Burrows 1up.
Truro pictured with Team manager Andy Mortimore just after securing the victory.Truro had won after a long day where the weather generally held up and allowed two long awaited finals to take place.
Truro's winning team with the Brian Gripe Trophy (L to R Jake Finn, Lewis Annear, Ryan House, Jared Mortimore and Howard Yeates)
The defeated Mullion team, pictured with their Junior Organiser Tony Bayliss, also showed good grace despite the result. (Calum Alexander, Josh Chaplin, Jamie Greet, Connor Davidson and Ben Burrows)
Junior President Phil Linaker presented the prizes to the winners as well as runner up awards to the losers. He thanked Falmouth Golf Club for their hospitality in hosting both finals.
George Bolitho Shield Result Sheet
Carlyon Bay Retain Junior Maxam
Junior Maxam Cup Team Championship 2013
30.10.2013 Newquay GC
The winning Carlyon Bay Juniors (L to R Louis Gough, Eugenie Knight, Lewis Jackson, Tom Valentine (Capt), Danny Sweet and Emily Toy
Carlyon Bay Juniors again showed their strength in depth when they won, and in so doing, retained the Junior Maxam Cup Team Championship at Newquay GC today. The competition was originally scheduled to have been played at Lanhydrock GC but due to the recent wet weather conditions had to be hastily re-arranged.
Having won last year's competition at Perranporth, the Carlyon Bay team were determined to hang onto the trophy and their talented team came up trumps again, albeit they pipped second placed Truro by just the one shot in the two scores from three to count medal foursomes.
Carlyon Bay returned a team gross total of 160 to Truro's 161, with West Cornwall third just the one shot further behind on 162.
The star performance for Carlyon came from Eugenie Knight and Louis Gough who scored a gross 76, a score matched by West Cornwall's Harry Hall and David Hanley. However, Carlyon's second pairing of Emily Toy and Tom Valentine came in with a gross 84. Truro's best came form Lewis Annear and Jared Mortimore (78) but when their team mates Jake Finn and Ryan House scored 83 and West Cornwall's second pair Noah Badcock and Fred Horsell returned an 87 the cup was heading back to Carlyon Bay.
Knight and Gough's round also saw them claim the prize for best gross score of the day on countback from Hall and Hanley and were it not for the one prize rule they would also have claimed the best nett prize. Instead this went to Truro's Mortimore and Annear with a nett 72.
In the team nett event West Cornwall came out on top with an aggregate nett score of 147 and in yet another close result just pipped the team from Merlin on 148.
The Nett winning team from West Cornwall who were pleased to show off their new shirts as sponsored by their home club professional Jason Broadway. The team were Harry Hall, Jordan Musitano, Fred Horsell, David Hanley, Noah Badcock and Ross Hutchings
Newquay GC Captain Alan Blackett welcomed all those present to Newquay and together with CGU Junior Section President Phil Linaker presented the prizes.
Niall Retains Order of Merit
Updated 07.10.2013 after St Enodoc Junior Open
Niall Hutton (St Mellion) shot a gross 68 to win the St Enodoc Junior Open yesterday by 7 shots from his nearest contender in what was the final counting event in this years OoM. Going into the event Niall had a 6 point lead over Carlyon Bay's Tom Valentine but Hutton's stellar round saw him not only win the event but also retain the Order of Merit title he won last year.
Hutton's round included 5 birdies and an outward 9 holes of just 31 shots as he stormed to the lowest gross of the day and a 65 nett score. His 20 point OoM score saw him extend his lead over Valentine who scored a gross 77 and registered sufficient OoM points to seal second place for the year. Second gross on the day was a tied affair between Bude & North Cornwall's Connor Jenkins and the latest addition to the Truro ranks, Isles of Scilly export Rory Guy. Jenkins and Guy both returned gross 75s and Jenkins points were enough for him to lay claim to the OoM 3rd place for 2013. Joint 4th in the OoM standings were Kieran Faulkner (Looe) and Jared Mortimore (Truro) whilst fellow Truro player Jake Finn took 6th place.
The next best nett performance of the day came from Porthpean's Lewis Jackson (83-13=70).
Connor Wins at Forest Hills
West of England U16s Open Championship 22.09.2013
Connor Davidson (Mullion) played exceptionally well yesterday in the West of England U16 Open Championship which took place at Forest Hills GC in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire to claim the nett competition first prize.
Two Cornish Juniors actually took part in the competition but it was Davidson who had the most reason to be satisfied in a field of 60 youngsters. Connor playing off 6, registered rounds of 77 and 71 to claim the nett prize in this inaugural event destined to become a permanent feature in the junior golfing calendar. Well done Connor!
Also taking part was Truro’s Jared Mortimore who had a fine morning round of 74-5=69 to be well in contention in both categories. However an afternoon 86 derailed his hopes and he finished in a disappointing 36thplace.
Junior Order of Merit 2013
Updated 09.09.2013
The Junior Order of Merit has again been updated to reflect the results from the Junior Autumn meeting which took place recently.
Last years OoM winner Niall Hutton (St Mellion) has now gone into the lead on 65 points and his nearest challenger is Tom Valentine (Carlyon Bay) on 59. Third place has been taken by Josh Chaplin (Mullion).
There is just the one scoring event to come at St Enodoc's Junior Open on Sunday 6th October 2013.
Junior Autumn Meeting Mullion GC
Sunday 8th September 2013
Tom Valentine flanked by CGU Junior President Phil Linaker and Mullion Captain David Howe
The Junior Autumn Meeting at Mullion GC saw Carlyon Bay’s Tom Valentine win the U18 prize and Penhale Cup after recording gross 71 72 for a 143 total. The runners up were Connor Jenkins (Bude & North Cornwall) and Niall Hutton (St Mellion), both on 148.
Ryan House (Truro) took the U16 gross prize and with it the Jubilee Tankard with 146 whilst home player Connor Davidson took the Chris Brian Trophy for the best U14 gross on 151. He also claimed the John Dingle Trophy which is awarded to the best overall Mullion junior taking part.
Best nett total for the day and winner of the Reg Curtis Salver was Jake Finn (Truro) with a nett 140.
In the nett prize category (0-9) Bowood Park's emerging Jon Rowe took first prize also with a nett 140 just pipping local Mullion junior Jamie Greet into second place on 141.
In the 10-18 category Mullion juniors Liam Hunter and Simon Wilson were first and second respectively on 140 and 142.
The 19-28 category saw a win for Killiow's Freddie Norris on 157 with Truro's Thomas Stevens second on 165.
The morning U14 nett was won by Finn Rule (West Cornwall) with 73 just ahead of Falmouth's Tom Lentern (74) with Truro's Jack Andrew third on 76.
Junior Order of Merit 2013
Updated 02.09.2013
The Junior Order of Merit for 2013 has been updated to include the latest set of results. it is viewable via the sidebar on this page.
Kieran Faulkner is still the leader (49 points) after another good points scoring event at China Fleet last week. There are still two events in which points can be gained. Faulkner's lead has however been cut with last year's winner Niall Hutton (48) hot on his heels and Porthpean's Liam Miller only four points behind that on 44.
U18s well beaten by Somerset
Cornwall v Somerset
Thursday 22nd August 2013 at Trethorne GC
Cornwall U18s hosted their Somerset counterparts at Trethorne with the course looking immaculate. Somerset were almost at full strength whilst Cornwall continued with the policy of encouraging their younger players. The handicap variation was huge with Somerset totalling just 11 against Cornwall’s 41.
The morning foursomes provided some surprises with the Cornish boys punching well above their weight. Captain Adam Curtis, playing with Niall Hutton won 2 up. Connor Jenkins and Kieran Faulkner fought hard with Faulkner holing a 20 foot putt on the last for birdie and a half. Behind them Tom Valentine playing with his clubmate and debutant Louis Gough won 3 and 2. The Truro pairing of Ryan House and Jake Finn were unable to match their team mates losing 2 and 1. With Somerset one player short the last match was conceded giving the home team a 3½ to 1½ lead.
In the afternoon singles Somerset’s superior quality showed with almost a whitewash. All games followed the handicaps with Somerset winning the first eight matches. Only Ryan House managed to score a point playing against Somerset’s debutant with a slightly higher handicap and showing no mercy winning 7 & 5. The last match was a walk over giving Somerset an 8-2 afternoon victory and an overall win of 9½ to 6½ retaining the Greenaway Shield in the process.
This was the last match for Cornwall Captain Adam Curtis who has led the team from the front. He lost the play-off at the 2012 4 Counties competition and came third in this year’s 6 Counties competition at Weston Super Mare. It was also the last match in charge for team manager Antony Richards who is due to take over as captain at West Cornwall in the spring, ‘ I must admit to feeling a little sad leaving Trethorne on Thursday evening knowing I would not be back next year. Over the years the boys have been magnificent and whilst we may not have won any of the competitions I believe the foundations have been laid for a positive future for Cornish golf. The talent is there it just needs to be nurtured’
Defeats in both Ben Enoch U16 and Jack Roberts U14 Leagues
Somerset v Cornwall
Monday 19th August 2013 at Long Sutton GC
Cornwall U14's lost to Somerset U14's at Long Sutton Golf Club in the final match of the season in the Jack Roberts Trophy.
Somerset had a very strong U14's team with combined handicaps 14 shots lower than the Cornwall team, so it was always going to be a challenge for the Duchy's players.
In the morning foursomes, the Cornish top pairing of Connor Davidson (Mullion) and Finn Rule (West Cornwall) played some fantastic golf to win 3 & 2 against Somerset's top pair. In the 2nd match, Joe Reynard (Truro) and George Leigh (Trevose) lost by 2 & 1 whilst the third pairing of Falmouth's Tom Lentern and West Cornwall's Bradley Barnes combined well to win 4 & 2, resulting in Cornwall leading by 2 matches to 1 at lunch.
Somerset came out strong in the afternoon with wins in the top two matches against Davidson (1 down) and Lentern (6 & 5). In the third match, the diminutive George Leigh with a 2&1 win made it 3 wins out of 3 in his singles matches this season.
Somerset played some great golf in the 4th and 5th matches and inflicted 4 & 2 losses on both Reynard and Rule. Bradley Barnes completed his second win of the day in the last match by 5 & 3.
So a 4-2 defeat for Cornwall in the singles meant the final score was a 5 - 4 win for Somerset.
It was another very close game and with three members of the team still in the Under 14's set up for 2014, there remains a lot of promise and good signs for next season.
The U14s pictured at Long Sutton GC (L to R) Connor Davidson, Joe Reynard, Bradley Barnes, Tom Lentern, George Leigh and Finn Rule
In the U16 match played the same day there was further Cornish disappointment as the team were comprehensively beaten 8-4.
In the opening foursomes the pair of Jake Finn (Truro) and the in form Kieran Faulkner (Looe) gained a half which was followed by a 4&3 win for Truro's Ryan House and Jared Mortimore. However there were defeats in the other two games for Lewis Annear (Truro) with Ben Browning (Falmouth) 2&1 and for Tom Chapman (Tehidy Park) and Jordan Musitano (West Cornwall) 2 down. At lunch this left the score at 2.5-1.5 in Somerset's favour.
In the afternoon singles there was worse to come with the Somerset team taking five out of the eight matches. The Cornish winners were House (3&2) and Chapman (4&3) whilst Annear managed a half in his game. Of the five defeats three of the games reached the 18th green but sadly none went the way of the Duchy.
U18s beaten by Devon
16th August 2013
Greenaway Shield, Staddon Heights GC
Cornwall U18s travelled to Plymouth for the first of the Greenaway Shield matches against their Devon hosts. With some boys playing in a national competition both teams were a little understrength giving vital experience to the up and coming and younger players.
The Cornwall U18s pictured with team manager Antony Richards
The morning foursomes were closely fought with Cornwall gaining the edge. Captain Adam Curtis, playing with Niall Hutton won 2 up, followed by Josh Chaplin and Jack Screech winning 2 and 1. Connor Jenkins and Tom Valentine lost 2 and 1. The last two matches both finished 4 and 3, the left handed duo of Jake Finn and Ryan House being victorious while debutants Jared Mortimore playing with Kieran Faulkner were at the wrong end of the scoreline leaving the match score 3-2 in Cornwall’s favour.
Niall Hutton tees off in the match against Devon
In the afternoon singles Devon took the momentum in the early games, Curtis unable to find his game lost 5 and 4, and Hutton lost 2 and 1 after a very topsy-turvy affair. Jenkins lost 4 and 3 and Screech lost 2 and 1 leaving the back games to try to rescue the match. Chaplin and House were both 2 up with 3 to play but got pulled back to halve their games. Valentine recorded a comprehensive 5 and 4 win, Faulkner played out an impressive 3 and 1 win and Finn fought hard to win 2 up. This left young Mortimer needing to win his match but he came up against an inspired opponent and lost 4 and 3. This put the overall score at 8-7 in Devon’s favour.
Jake 'Two Win' Finn tees off at Staddon Heights.
Both teams were treated to beautiful views from the Staddon course and an extra bonus came in the form of an airshow over the adjacent Plymouth Sound captured on film by CGU President Malcolm Jones.
English Junior Champion Club
Woodhall Spa 10th/11th August 2013
Truro GC juniors Emily Wilson, Laura Andrew and Joe Reynard represented club and county at the English Junior Champion Club event at Woodhall Spa, Lincs over the past weekend after qualifying to do so with their impressive win at Cape Cornwall GC back in early April 2013. Of that April winning team unfortunately Jack Andrew was unable to take part after suffering a broken arm in the intervening period. However the family name was maintained in the form of sister Laura. Truro competed against 29 other winning counties in the two day event at the Headquarters of England Golf.
Day 1 saw the team finish the day in a very creditable 12th position with the two best aggregate scores from the three team members counting. Joe and Laura both registered 36 points for a team total of 72 whilst Emily followed up with 31. The runaway leaders after day 1 were Gloucester GC with a fantastic 86 points.
Day 2 ended in disappointment for the Truro youngsters as collectively they were unable to replicate the good scoring of the day before. Laura again performed well and scored 33 points but Joe and Emily could only manage 27 and 26 points respectively. This saw the team slip down the leaderboard and finish in 23rd position with an aggregate score of 132. Winners of the event were Gloucester on 162.
The Truro team can be justifiably proud of their achievement in reaching this national final.
Junior Order of Merit 2013
Updated 01.08.2013
The Junior OoM has again been updated after yesterday's event at Tehidy Park GC.
Kiieran Faulkner (Looe) is the new leader having played in only two of the three counting events. His two good performances at Carlyon Bay and Tehidy see him lead the table with 35.5 points pushing Tom Valentine (Carlyon Bay 33.5) into second place. Last year's OoM winner Niall Hutton (St Mellion) is now third on 31 and just half a point ahead of Josh Chaplin (Mullion).
Junior Order of Merit
Updated 26.07.2013
The Junior Order of Merit has been updated and includes todays Junior Open at Carlyon Bay. It is viewable via the sidebar on this page.
Tom Valentine has taken the lead after coming second today and is now ahead of Harry Hall. Leaping straight into third place in the Junior OoM is Valentine's clubmate and todays Junior Open winner Louis Gough. Sandwiched between the pair is Harry Hall who has today finished a very creditable tied 14th in the English Boys U18 Open Stroke Play (Carris Trophy) at West Lancs GC. Harry finished fourth in the Hazards Salver which runs alongside the main event and is open to those competitors under the age of 16.
Ben Enoch U16 League
Jack Roberts U14 League
Cornwall v Devon
Thursday 25th July 2013 at Whitsand Bay GC
Both the U16 and U14 teams took on Devon at glorious Whitsand Bay yesterday in sunny warm conditions and with fantastic clifftop views.
The U16 team played very well to beat their neighbours in the scratch matchplay games especially as the visitors handicaps were a full 15 shots lower than ours.
In the morning foursomes Ryan House and Jared Mortimore (both Truro) led the way with a 3&2 win. In the second game Jake Finn (Truro) and Kieran Faulkner (Looe) were beaten 2&1. Jordan Musitano (West Cornwall) and county debutant Tom Chapman (Tehidy Park) secured a 2&1 win and with Ben Browning (Falmouth) and Zak Omlo (St Austell) gaining a half the Duchy boys led by 2.5 - 1.5 at lunch. In the non counting match Lewis Annear (Truro) and Mikey McKelvey (Merlin) were beaten 2&1.
Falmouth's Ben Browning putts on the 11th at Whitsand Bay GC
Ryan House, who won both his games, plays an approach shot at Whitsand Bay.
The afternoon saw the wind up somewhat but this didn't deter the boys. Five of the 8 singles matches went to the 18th hole. There were wins for House (1 up), Finn (1up) and Browning (4&3) but halves from Faulkner and last man on the course Omlo saw Cornwall get the points they needed to win the overall match. The defeats for Cornwall were Mortimore (4&2), Musitano and Chapman who both lost 5&4. In the non counting singles games Annear won 3&2 whilst McKelvey lost 2&1.
A happy U16 team with Manager Andy Mortimore and a very tall looking Jordan Musitano.
Match score Cornwall 6.5 - 5.5 Devon
Whilst the U16 team achieved a great result the Cornwall U14s could not quite match it. What they lacked in result terms was more than made up for by their effort and the very fact there were two 10 year olds included in the team, albeit non counting on the day.
The 9 hole morning foursomes saw the only Cornish win from Connor Davidson (Mullion) and Joe Reynard (Truro) who won 4&3. Tom Lentern (Falmouth) and George Leigh (Trevose) were beaten 2 down and the West Cornwall pairing of Bradley Barnes and Finn Rule lost by just the 1 hole. The two 10 year olds Thomas Stephens and Morgan Craven (both Truro) were beaten 3&2 in their non counting match.
10 year old Tom Stephens drives on the clifftop at Whitsand Bay watched by partner Morgan Craven
Lunch was taken with the scores 2 -1 in favour of Devon.
The hope was that Cornwall could take the majority of the six afternoon singles and with two wins coming in the first three things looked good. Davidson won 2&1 whilst Lentern who had been several holes to the good at least managed a half on the last. Leigh won 2&1.
However defeats for Reynard (4&3) Barnes (1 down) and Rule (3&1) meant an overall win for Devon by 5.5 - 3.5.
Bradley Barnes holes out on the 6th.
The non counting singles matches saw defeats for both Craven and Stephens but both clearly enjoyed themselves and promise much brighter things for the future.
The U14 team pictured before their match (From L to R Morgan Craven, Tom Lentern, Thomas Stephens, Finn Rule, George Leigh, Connor Davidson, Joe Reynard and Bradley Barnes)
Ben Enoch U16 League
Cornwall v Dorset
Saturday 20th July 2013 St Mellion International GC
The Cornwall U16 team staged the re-arranged fixture against Dorset at St Mellion International resort on Saturday with the morning foursomes taking place on the Kernow Course followed in the afternoon with the singles on the Nicklaus Course.
Unfortunately home advantage did not go the way of the Cornish Juniors who were beaten overall by 7 - 5.
In the morning foursomes there were wins for Harry Hall (West Cornwall) playing with Truro's Jake Finn (2&1) and also the Truro pairing of Ryan House and Jared Mortimore (1 up). Defeats for Kieran Faulkner (Looe) and Connor Davidson (Mullion) by the convincing margin of 7&5 and another Truro pair Lewis Annear & Howard Yeates (3&2) meant lunch was taken with the score at 2 - 2.
The Nicklaus Course, clebrating it's 25th Anniversary this year, presented a tougher challenge in the afternoon. Whilst there were good wins for Mortimore (1up), Davidson (3&2) and Faulkner (1 up) this was not enough for the home team as the remaining 5 singles games went the way of Dorset. There were 2&1 defeats for Hall, House, Finn and Yeates whilst Annear was beaten 3&2. The singles ended 5 - 3 to Dorset and the overall score therefore 7 - 5 to them.
Cornwall U14s and the U16s take on neighbours Devon at Whitsand Bay GC this coming Thursday 25th July 2013.
The U14 team is Connor Davidson, Tom Lentern (Falmouth), George Leigh (Trevose), Joe Reynard (Truro), Bradley Barnes and Finn Rule (West Cornwall).
The U16 team is Jake Finn, Ryan House, Jared Mortimore, Tom Chapman (Tehidy Park), Lewis Annear, Kieran Faulkner, Jordan Musitano (West Cornwall), Mikey McKelvey (Merlin), Ben Browning (Falmouth) and Zak Omlo (St Austell)
SWCGA Boys Championship
Wednesday 10th July 2013 Weston-super-Mare GC
The CGU Junior Team looking very smart at Weston-super-Mare GC (L to R Ryan House, Connor Jenkins, Sam Church, Harry Hall, Adam Curtis, Niall Hutton, Tom Valentine and Jake Finn
On a very hot day Cornwall Golf Junior Captain Adam Curtis (Bude & North Cornwall) led from the fronts he finished third overall in a field of 54 competitors at the SWCGA Boys Championship at Weston-super-Mare GC, Somerset. The event saw teams of 8 players (with six scores to count) representing the regional six counties as well as a number of individual entries which included two from the Duchy.
Curtis shot rounds of 72 and 70 for a two over par total of 142 to clinch third place on his own two shots ahead of his nearest rival. The winner on the day was Gloucestershire's Jamie Dick with two rounds of 69 for a total of 138 whilst in second place was Wiltshire's Ben Amor (67+74=141). Adam's score was instrumental in helping to secure third place for the Cornwall team amongst whom there was a sense of disappointment they had not performed better overall.
Harry Hall (West Cornwall) from whom much is inevitably expected shot a good morning round of 72 but his afternoon 74 for a 146 total saw him take a lowly 12th place overall. Tom Valentine (Carlyon Bay) put in a sound shift with two 74s and a 16th place overall, one shot ahead of teammate Ryan House (Truro) who was 18th (76+73=149).
Other Cornish team scores:
26th Connor Jenkins (Bude & North Cornwall) 79+73=152
27th Niall Hutton (St Mellion) 77+75= 152
46th Jake Finn (Truro 82+79=161)
53rd Sam Church (China Fleet 88+82= 170
Truro's Jared Mortimore (79&75=154) and Mullion's Conor Davidson entered the competition as individuals and finished in joint 31st and 47th place respectively.
In the team event Cornwall finished third (on 740) behind winners Devon (733) and runners up Somerset (135).
SWCGA U16 & U14 Championship
Friday 31st May 2013 Launceston GC
Harry Hall tees off at Launceston
The Cornish Juniors again tasted success at the annual South West Counties Golf Association U16/U14 Championship which took place at sunny but breezy Launceston GC yesterday. On the back of a very successful CGU County week at Launceston 6 teams of 9 youngsters from the 6 South West Counties were treated to a course in splendid condition.
Whilst Cornwall could only manage a third place in the team event there were individual successes.
Harry Hall continued his excellent form in scoring a gross one over par 71 to win the overall individual event. His round included 3 birdies on a tough scoring day for the majority of the field. A narrowly missed eagle putt on the par 5 17th would have seen his margin of victory extended but in the end the score was good enough to capture first prize. 2nd place went to Somerset's Nick Ramshaw (72) and played a large part in his county's overall team win on the day. 3rd was Tom Atkins of Dorset also on 72. Other good scores from the Cornwall juniors came from Truro's Jake Finn (73) and clubmate Jared Mortimore (74). Harry Hall is pictured below with his trophy.
10 year old Trevose youngster George Leigh, playing off 13, yet again produced another very good performance in shooting a gross 82 which saw him 31st in the main event competing against older company. However to his delight the consolation was winning the U14 nett prize (82-13=69) by two clear shots from Taylor Stote of Somerset. In 3rd place was Jamie Cooper of Wiltshire (nett 75)
A beaming George Leigh proudly holds his prizes for the best U14 nett score.
SWCGA President Ian Clark (Dorset) presented the prizes together with Launceston GC President Neville Helme, who welcomed everyone to the club and said how refreshing it was to see so many talented youngsters taking part. The Cornwall team were presented with the Ben Enoch Trophy in respect of their league winning performance in the 2012 round of matches against Devon, Dorset and Somerset. CGU Junior President Phil Linaker reminded those present of the tragic circumstances leading to this trophy being donated by the parents of Ben Enoch in memory of their son. The Cornwall team are pictured with the Ben Enoch Trophy.
CGU U14s v Dorset
Sunday 19th May 2013 Looe GC
Cornwall U14's lost to a strong Dorset U14 team at Looe Golf Club in the seasons first match in the Jack Roberts Trophy.
In the morning foursomes the Cornish pairing of Tom Lentern (Falmouth) and George Leigh (Trevose) rescued a fine half from Dorsets top two but there was a 4&2 defeat for Connor Davidson (Mullion) playing with Danny Sweet (St Austell) and a 2&1 loss for the Truro pairing of Jack Andrew and Joe Reynard.
Both Lentern (3&2) and Leigh (1 up) won their afternoon singles matches but sadly they were the only wins for the team. Davidson lost 3&2, Andrew lost 5&3, Reynard lost 2 down and Sweet was beaten 6&5.
The West Cornwall pairing of Bradley Barnes and Finn Rule were also non counting players in the match. They halved their morning foursomes and whilst Barnes won his single 4&2, Rule was beaten 2&1.
All of this meant a 6.5 - 2.5 win for Dorset.
We would like to thank Looe GC for their hospitality to both teams on the day and aslo to say how much the boys enjoyed playing there.
The Cornwall team is pictured below
(Tom Lentern, Joe Reynard, Connor Davidson, George Leigh,Danny Sweet, Jack Andrew, Bradley Barnes and Finn Rule)
CGU Juniors v CLCGA County Ladies
Sunday 28th April 2013 Carlyon Bay GC
This annual match took place at Carlyon Bay GC and saw 10 ladies from the CLCGA take on the Boys in singles matchplay off handicap.
Over the past few years the boys have been the winners but on this ocasion the strong Ladies were the victors winning convincingly to the tune of 8 games to 2.
Looking at the picture taken afterwards everybody seemed fairly happy though!
The boys team was Adam Curtis (Bude, Junior Captain), Sam Church (China Fleet), Connor Jenkins (Bude), Jack Screech (China Fleet), Jamie Greet (Mullion), Louis Gough (Carlyon Bay), Matt Williams (Trevose), Ben Burrows (Mullion), David Hanley (West Cornwall) and Ben Pill (St Austell)
CGU Junior U14 Championship
Sunday 21st April 2013 Truro GC
A great total of 42 youngsters took part in the Junior U14 Championship held by kind permission at Truro GC.
The youngsters from Mullion GC almost completed a clean sweep of all the prize categories. First Mullion's Connor Davidson became the U14 Champion for the year. Connor recorded a gross 77 to claim the title by three shots from Tom Lentern (Falmouth) and losing out on countback in third place with a gross 80 was George Leigh (Trevose). Fourth place went to Jack Andrew (Truro) with a gross 85.
In the handicap bracket the winner was Truro's own Joe Reynard (85-22 = nett 63) who beat Killiow's Scott Weston (90-25 = 65) into second place. On the basis of players only being able to win one prize the third placing went to Thomas Stevens (Truro 96 - 28 = 68). Fourth was Harry Macauley (Bude 91 - 23 = 68)
There were additional competitions for youngsters with a handicap over 28.
In the 29 - 36 bracket 13 players battled it out in a stableford competition.
1st - James Lee (Mullion) 38 points
2nd - Freddie Norris (Killiow) 37 points
3rd - Liam Barnett (Mullion) 35 points
4th - Dominic Hunt (Truro) 34 points
In the 37 - 54 handicap bracket there was an entry of 11 players
1st - Connor Trerise (Mullion) 31 points
2nd - Will Dale (Truro) 29 points
3rd - Jake Singleton (Truro) 28 points
4th - Archie Andrews (Truro) 24 points
CGU Junior President Phil Linaker thanked Truro GC for hosting the event and for their assistance in the administration of the competition.
CGU Juniors v CLCGA Juniors
Sunday 13th April 2013 Carlyon Bay GC
It has to be said the weather was absolutely foul at Carlyon Bay GC for the annual match between the CGU U16 boys team and the CLCGA girls team.
Despite having to be dressed for winter in waterproofs with woolly hats and mitts for company both teams got out on the course. However the weather had the upper hand and meant a sensible decision was reached to play the matches over just 12 holes.
The junior girls had a strong team and certainly gave the boys a run for their money but narrowly lost out to them by the score of 5.5 - 4.5.
Due to the really bad weather the matches were played over 12 holes and the girls were very close to beating the boys but alas the boys came out triumphant with a 5 1/2 - 4 1/2 win.
So it was a god job well done by all to fight the elements and at least get some golf in. Well done to all of you!
Four Counties Championship 9-11 April 2013
Knighton Heath GC, Bournemouth, Dorset.
Cornwall will be travelling to Dorset next week to take part in the SW Four Counties event taking place at Bournemouth's Knighton Heath GC over three days.
A practice round on Day 1 will be followed by the stroke play individual and team event on the morning of Wednesday 10th. In the afternoon the matchplay stages commence with Cornwall facing hosts Dorset.
During Thursday 11th Cornwall play Devon in the morning followed by Somerset in the afternoon.
The team representing Cornwall is
Adam Curtis (Captain, Bude)
Harry Hall (West Cornwall)
Nial Hutton (St Mellion)
Rory Guy (Isles of Scilly)
Josh Chaplin (Mullion)
Jack Screech (China Fleet)
Connor Jenkins (Bude) and
Kieran Faulkner (Looe)
CGU Junior President Phil Linaker and team managers Antony Richards and Peter Church will accompany the team.
Good luck Guys!
Niall Wins 2012 Order of Merit
(Niall Hutton pictured with the Order of Merit Shield)
Niall Hutton (St Mellion) is the winner of the 2012 Junior Order of Merit after a solid performance in the St Enodoc Junior Open held on Sunday 7th October 2012. The Order of Merit runs across 7 separate events during the season with players best 5 placings from the 7 counting towards the OoM. Hutton recorded a lowest gross 73 to take maximum points at St Enodoc by just the one shot from China Fleet's Sam Church (74). Third best score of the day came from County Junior Captain Justin Barnard (Tehidy Park 75), whilst the fourth best gross score of 76 by Jack Screech (China Fleet) was good enough to see him take the first prize on the day with a nett 71. Maximum points from the event saw Hutton jump over Bude's Adam Curtis to clinch the OoM title thereby pushing Curtis into the second spot with Barnard third.
South West Counties Golf Association U16/U14 Inter-Counties Team Championship
Sunday 3 June 2012
Congratulations to the boys on winning the David King Salver at the SWCGA U16/U14 Championships at Exeter on Sunday.
Picture L to R:
Zak Omlo (St Austell), Jared Mortimore (Truro), Harry Hall (West Cornwall), Sam Church (China Fleet), Andy Mortimore (U16 Manager) Niall Hutton (St Mellion), Phil Linaker (Junior Section President), Ryan House (Truro), Steven Waddell (Carlyon Bay), Jake Finn (Truro),Conor Davidson (Mullion)
Cornwall Junior U14 Championship at Carlyon Bay
Sunday 15 April 2012
Jared Mortimore from Truro is the new Cornwall Under 14 Champion.
Jared shot an 82 gross off an 11 handicap at Carlyon Bay yesterday which was the winning score on a day when a cold northerly wind made scoring difficult.
Leading Gross Scores:
| 1st | Jared Mortimore | Truro | 82 |
| 2nd | Zak Omlo | St Austell | 84 |
| 3rd | Connor Davidson | Mullion | 87 |
| 4th | George Leigh | Trevose | 91 |
| 5th | Jordan Musitano | W Cornwall | 92 |
The winning net score was 72 from Harry Macauley of Bude & NC
Prize Winners in the Net Competition:
| 1st | Harry Macauley | Bude & NC | 72 |
| 2nd | George Leigh | Trevose | 75 c.b. |
| 3rd | Joe Reynard | Truro | 75 c.b. |
| 4th | Ricardo Sanchez | St Austell | 75 |
Division 2 Net Scores:
| 1st | George Harrow | Killiow | 40pts |
| 2nd | Matthew Pitman | killiow | 36pts |
SW Four Counties Championship
Thursday 12 April 2012
Cornwall fielded a young team for the SW4C Championship at Exeter Golf & Country Club with no fewer than 5 players making their debut's in the competition. Devon were hot favourites with home advantage , to see how the boys got on Click Here
Cornwall Juniors v Surrey U14 at St Mellion. 11.30am
Friday 17 February 2012
A combined Cornwall team of U16''s and U14's took on a Surrey U14 team in a friendly match over the Nicklaus course. Cornwall enjoyed a comfortable win by 4.5 - 0.5
Cornwall U18 v Devon U18 at Yelverton Golf Club. 10.00am
Tuesday 14 February 2012
Cornwall had a disappointing result against Devon in this annual friendly match played at Yelverton.
Played under a stableford format of scratch with the best 10 out of 12 scores to count , Cornwall accumulated a score of 254 against Devon's total of 295. Individual Scores
Contact Us
secretary@cornwallgolfunion.org.uk
01579 384233
South Court, South Hill Road,
Callington, Cornwall,
PL17 7LG
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