Eg Boys U18 County Championship Report

EG BOYS U18 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP REPORT

EG BOYS U18 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP

Perhaps the most prestigious event in the junior golfing calendar took place this week at Overstone Park GC Northants. It was the EG Boys U18 County Team Championships where the 10 midland counties field a team of 6 players and each one plays 36 holes in a stroke play format. To determine the winner, 5 of the 6 player’ scores for each of the 2 rounds are added together and the county with the lowest total number of shots progress to represent the Midlands in the national finals.

With the Worcestershire team of Mark Hewlett, Phil Krone, Tom Blizzard, George Stephens, Oliver Badger and Harry Evans Worcestershire found themselves in 3rd place and seven shots behind the leaders at the halfway stage. Four of the six players were part of last year’s winning team so there was no panic and an air of confidence that we could turn the deficit around. The afternoon started in equally challenging conditions with the wind getting up and a constant threat of rain in the air. The boys battled the conditions and the situation superbly well and an impressive finish from many of the team especially Mark Hewlett who finished 1 under for the round put us back in contention for a possible victory.

The last Northants player needed a 3 over 75 or better to beat us and came in with a 76, which meant we were tied at the top (here we go again from 2 years ago when we lost on countback, was the immediate thought). However, Cambridge still had two players out on the course but were some way off the top, as all of the Worcs players anxiously watched their phones for the outcome.

Cambridge 5th player came in but did not really affect their teams total so it was down to the last group. A magnificent 2 under, 70 was more than enough to see Cambridge over the line by 7 shots.

The disappointment was obvious on the Worcs. faces, nevertheless, what a performance by the team. 23 over, 743, matched last year’s winning score. We were very impressed and proud with not only their play but also their attitude and conduct in what was an extremely pressurised environment.

One other notable point was that Mark Hewlett finished 3rd overall in the individual competition with a level par score of 144, fantastic effort.

Congratulations go to Cambridgeshire for a very impressive 16 over 736 total and we wish them well in the National finals.

Although it was not the result we had hoped for it was another outstanding performance which has seen us go 3rd, 1st, 2nd, 3rd in the last four years and maintaining our position as one of the top Midlands Counties, of which we can all be very proud.

Our thanks and gratitude goes to all the parents, who gave up their valuable time to transport the boys to and from the venue, and without whom entering competitive teams in these events would not be possible.

Thanks to Alex Band and Mark Evans for their invaluable support; to the MGU for organising the event and to Overstone Park GC for their hospitality and producing an excellent golf course in great condition. Also thanks to Worcs. President John Whitehead who came along to support the Worcestershire team throughout the day.

Kevin Fee

U18s Team manager

Full results at:

EG BOYS COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS (Midland Qualifying) TEAM :: Midland Golf union

2024 EB BOYS COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP - Midland Qualifying :: Midland Golf union