Kevern Wins Junior Spring Meeting at Bude
Monday 7th March 2022
Junior Spring Meeting Sunday 6th March 2022 Bude & N Cornwall GC
“Do you want me to put your flag up?” - When greeted on a very cold breezy but dry early morning with those words by Gerry at Bude & N Cornwall GC you know it will be a good day. And so it proved for the Duchy’s young golfers season opening event - the Junior Spring Meeting.
The always welcoming Bude club was presented in great condition and the juniors were treated to pure fast and smooth putting surfaces which host club Professional Adam Curtis described as the best he had seen in his time in North Cornwall. Greenkeeper James Leach and his team deserve credit for this.
With Juniors President Matt Tucknott acting as starter and committee members armed with red and green flags located at road crossings and on some blind tee shot locations, the juniors set off in what remained very cold and breezy conditions which suggested the scoring would prove tough for all.
In the end this was proved to be the case with one very notable exception – Jack Kevern (West Cornwall) who returned what was a fabulous level par 71 made up of 13 pars, back-to-back birdies on holes 2 & 3 and a final birdie at the last hole. Just one double bogey at the 5th hurt the card but not in any way his final total. A great performance which sees Jack head the early season listings in the 2022 Junior Order of Merit.
Second best gross score of the day was returned by Falmouth’s Harry Drewett, with a 74 which saw him pick up first prize in the handicap competition. Will Hardwick (Perranporth) was third best gross with a 76.
Runner up in the handicap was Finley Hendra (West Cornwall, 96-25=71) and third Liam Bateman (St Enodoc, 85-12=71).
For the 9 girls who played, supported by CLCGA President Jill Simmons and Junior Manager Mel Nile, the conditions were altogether against them and this was reflected in their scoring. The lowest gross score was registered by Lizzy Nile (Carlyon Bay) with a 93, just ahead of St Mellion’s Lily James on 94, two shots better than Maisie Drewett (Falmouth) with a 96.
The girls handicap winner was Evie Palmer (St Mellion, 101- 22=79), with Ella-Grace Crocker Carlyon Bay, 106-22=84) runner-up. Third spot was claimed by another Carlyon Bay player in Hannah McGrath (98-13=85).
Bude Golf Club Captain Kevin Dunster welcomed the juniors to Bude and presented the prizes together with CGU Juniors President Matt Tucknott. The CGU heartily thanked Bude for their hospitality and attention during the day with every detail covered. There had been a great feeling in and around the club all day.
The only downside of the day was the time taken to complete the rounds. There was no excuse for the 4:38 duration and this is something the Junior Committee will address for future competitions. Whilst we did not impede host club members, we did affect some in our own number and this should never be the case. It took too long, and we need to improve in this area.
Bude & North Cornwall Gross Scores
Bude & North Cornwall Nett Scores
The next CGU Junior Order of Merit event will be the Mullion Junior Open on Tuesday 19th April 2022. Entries should be made via Mullion GC.
Whilst we had intended to make the Bude Junior Spring Meeting the starting point for a new competition, the Brian Gripe Junior Summer Knockout for 2022 will in effect commence at Mullion.
The top 16 gross scorers at Mullion will be invited to take part in what will form this year’s Brian Gripe Summer Knockout competition. The 16, once confirmed as willing to take part, will enter a Singles Scratch Match Play knockout with a draw to take place before the first round and thereafter once every round is complete.
Should a player not wish to take part his or her spot will be offered to the next best scorer at Mullion.
One player will be drawn at home on each case with the final to take place at a venue to be confirmed. This means a maximum of 4 Match Play fixtures with one round to be played at the latest by the end of May, June, and July respectively.
The CGU will provide contact details of players involved to those competing in this competition. Thereafter players must arrange matches between themselves.
Traditional Match Play Rules of Golf will apply throughout.