Surrey Golf YearBook 2019 | Page 33

U13 being eligible to win both age groups. In addition to these main competitions there was a handicap competition. This competition was so close that count back had to be used to separate the top three, as all had scored a nett 67. After the calculation the handicap prize was won by Thierry Boucher (Horton Park) with Harvey Skelly (Betchworth Park) in 2nd and Max Saunders (Walton Heath) in 3rd. Onto the main competitions, first the U13’s Championship, and what a close competition we had with two shots separating the top three players. Leo Vorobyev (Windlesham) who had won the County U12 Championship last month finished with a gross 80 to take 3rd place, with a 79 David Razinskas (Windlesham) took 2nd. The winner was 10-year-old Kris Kim from Cuddington GC with a fine 78, Kris had finished runner up in the U12’s, so had gone one better and gained some revenge on his County team mate Leo. Incredibly with his 78 Kris also won the U14 title beating Rocky Chapman (Windlesham) into 2nd with a 79 and David Razinskas in 3rd also with a 79 but losing out on countback. At 10-years old Kris is the youngest ever winner of the U13 & U14 titles, an amazing achievement for such a young player and one that will take some beating that’s for sure! Everyone headed to the clubhouse for the presentation of the prizes, which were presented by Steve McNeill the County Secretary. After being presented with his trophy’s Kris gave a lovely speech thanking the Club for hosting, the County for its organisation, the other players for participating and importantly his parents for all the support they give him. Our thanks to Leatherhead Golf Club for hosting the Championships and making everyone feel so welcome, and in difficult weather conditions presenting the course in such good condition. Also, a big thank you to all the volunteers who spent the day on the course helping make the day such a great success. Finally, many congratulations to Kris Kim for winning both the U13 & U14 Surrey Championships, I’m sure we will be hearing a lot more about this young man. The Stevens Cup (U16) and the James Heath Trophy (U15) The 2018 Surrey Golf U15/U16 Championship was held on 9th August at Clandon Regis Golf Club over 36 holes. The course was presented in great condition, with the greens proving receptive and true. Many thanks to all at Clandon Regis for hosting the Championship and giving up the course for the whole day. The rain started to fall just before the first start time of the morning round and didn’t stop until the afternoon round was about to commence. The tricky conditions in the morning round made it difficult for all the golfers and this was apparent as CSS rose by one to 73 for the morning round, against a drop of one shot to 71 for the afternoon round, for which the conditions were much improved. Barnes Wallis (The Addington) held the clubhouse lead following the first 18 holes, with a three under par round of 69. Harry Crockett (Addington Palace) shot level par to lie in 2nd place at lunch, with Jack Osborne (West Surrey) on 73, John Keane (West Byfleet) on 75, and Bailey Osborne (Walton Heath) and Sam Woodham (Windlesham) on 76. A hearty lunch of sausage, egg and chips, followed by chocolate fudge cake and ice cream allowed all the players to dry out from the morning round and prepare for the final 18 holes. Barnes Wallis fired a 72 in the afternoon to set the Clubhouse target at a combined 141. Harry Crockett was up for the fight though and shot level for the first 9 holes, birdied the 10th and then birdied 16 and 17 to add a 69 to his morning 72, hence tying with Barnes on 141. Bailey Osborne shot 71 to secure 3rd place on his own with a total of 147. So, a sudden death playoff ensued between Barnes and Harry. The playoff holes were 16, 17 and 18 and with all the other competitors following the players faced some real pressure. Tony Zendle, the Chief Referee for the event tossed the coin to decide who played first and it was Barnes who sent the first drive straight down the middle of the 16th hole. Harry took his drive and ended up on the right-hand side, in the light rough underneath a tree. Harry was first to play his approach and played a great shot that just ran over the green and onto the fringe at the back. Barnes played and landed on the green about 20 feet short of the hole. It was Barnes - 33 -