Surrey Golf YearBook 2020 | Page 34

being eligible to win both age groups. In addition to these main competitions there was a handicap competition. The course at Betchworth Park was in excellent condition and with the Surrey tee markers right back on the white plates it would be a real challenge for the boys. In addition, due to the recent warm weather course was playing tougher than normal, the players would certainly need to adapt their games to the conditions. The U13 handicap competition was won by Sam Wallace (Cuddington) with a Nett 62, Freddie Surgey (Burhill) took 2nd with a Nett 68 with William Ainsworth (Cuddington) 3rd on Nett 70. In the U14 handicap Milo Goldstein (Cuddington) took top spot with a Nett 65, Max Saunders (Walton Heath) was 2nd with a Nett 69, closely followed in 3rd by Luke Rice on Nett 70. Onto the main competitions, first the U13’s Championship, which was an incredibly close competition, with just two shots separating the top three players. Alex Alder (Wentworth) was just pushed into 3rd on countback by recent U12 Championship winner, Kris Kim (Cuddington), both boys shooting 77’s. But with a solid 76, this year’s U13 County Champion was Oscar Lent (Walton Heath). The U14 Championship was a mirror image with the three U13 winners taking the same places, so for the second year running an U13hand won both age groups, but even more amazing U13’s had also taken 2nd and 3rd in both, an amazing achievement! After tucking into sandwiches, chips and importantly loads of cake, the presentation of the prizes took place which was made by County Secretary Steve McNeill and presented by Betchworth Park Vice Captain Neil Beard. After being presented with his two trophy’s Oscar gave a speech thanking the Club for hosting, the County for its organisation, the players for participating and importantly all the parents for transporting the lads all the support they give on the course. Our thanks to Betchworth Park Golf Club for hosting the Championships and making everyone feel so welcome and presenting the course in such wonderful 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 Oscar Lent for winning both the U13 & U14 Surrey Championships. The Stevens Cup (U16) and the James Heath Trophy (U15) U16 Championship for the Stevens Cup U15 Championship for the James Heath Trophy In less than perfect conditions, with torrential rain showers and strong winds, 37 boys stepped out onto the course at Pyrford to battle for the titles of U16 and U15 County Champion. The morning round saw scores of 71 (-1) from Benjamin Brew, 74 from Shergo Kurdi and Thomas Hawke with a 75 all intent on becoming the U16 champion. The Under 15’s were only just behind with Jasper Cox shooting 76, Oscar Lent 77 and Oliver Wren and Cameron Cridge both on 78. Lunch was a welcome break, but the boys had to brace the elements yet again with it all to play for. The afternoon scores didn’t disappoint with Shergo Kurdi shooting an excellent 2 under par 70 to finish the day on level pair with 144 and securing the title of U16 County Champion. Shergo was 6 shots clear of his nearest rival Harley Yates with 150 and in third place was Elliot MacGregor on 151. Jasper Cox submitted an afternoon round of 77 and with his 76 in the morning making him the U15 Champion with Oscar Lent as runner up shooting 154 and Oliver Wren in third place with 156. An appearance over lunch by Peter Allis and Jack Buchanan, Surrey President, was greatly appreciated by both the players and the club. It was great to hear Peter reminisce about the days gone by and how much things have changed! My thanks to Pyrford Golf Club for hosting the Championship, everyone was made to feel very welcome by the staff in the bar, the Professional shop and members alike. The course was presented in fine condition, so thanks to all the greens staff. A special thank you must go to all the volunteers who proved invaluable on the day given the conditions, helping on and off the course throughout the day. - 34 -