2013 - SWCGA Under 14 / 16 Championship

LAUNCESTON GC 31 MAY 2013 

A beautifully presented Launceston Golf Club, Cornwall, played host to the 2013 SWCGA U16/U14 Championships. The sun was shining brightly and a gentle breeze was only occasionally interrupted by a few gusts, but otherwise the weather was not going to add to the challenge of the day.

All six counties in the South West Region were represented by teams of 9 players, consisting of 6 x Under 16’s and 3 x Under 14’s. Of the 9 players, the 7 best scores would be used in aggregate to determine the winning county, as well as individual trophies for the best Under 16 and Under 14.

Dorset’s team was represented by Jack Baker (Capt.), George Seed, Tom Atkins, George Davis, George Carroll and Sam Russell from the U16’s squad, and Adam Harris, Ben Small and Sam Brooke from the Under 14’s squad.

In attendance on the course, Rob Jones was able to see the early starters play through the first 6 holes, and allowed team managers Ian Davis, Rob Harris and Performance Coach Dan Frost concentrate on preparing the boys before their first tee shot and the task ahead. Dan had prepared an early-morning practice ground for the boys at nearby Trethorne Golf Club, to ensure the boys were ‘switched on’ for the day ahead.

Known for its hard opening set of holes, remaining calm during these was going to be key to scoring well on the par 70 course. As the boys were tracked through the 9th, Jack Baker and Tom Atkins and were going well, and George Davis, George Seed were steady, while the others boys were unfortunately already up-against-it to deliver reasonable scores.

George Carroll was first home into the clubhouse, and was disappointed to card an 84 gross, while two groups later, George Davis brightened the mood delivering a 75 (+5) having only dropped one shot on the back 9. George Seed was next into the clubhouse, disappointed with a score of 83. Next home was Jack Baker who continued his great form, and from being only +1 at the turn, arrived home delivering a fine 73 (+3). Next in was Sam Russell who was very disappointed with his county debut, delivering a 91, but perhaps nerves getting the better of him. Last into the clubhouse of the U16’s was Tom Atkins, who greened a splendid second into the par 5 18th for two, and was already aware that he had an eagle putt for a share of the lead, but alas it slipped past for a tap in birdie and carded an impressive 72 (+2) gross.

The three Under 14’s were next to appear, but unfortunately 84 seemed to be the magic number of the day, with Adam Harris, Ben Small and Sam Brooke all delivering the same score.

In conclusion, the overall team performance was lack-luster with a final 4th placement, but Dorset demonstrated some good individual performances, securing 3 players in the Top 10 (Atkins 3rd, Baker 7th, Davis 10th). Relatively new to the county scene, Tom Atkins delivered the score of the day for Dorset, and secured himself a very fine 3rd place overall.

Final County Placement:

1st    Somerset  (542)
2nd    Gloucestershire  (543)
3rd    Cornwall  (547)
4th    Dorset  (555)
5th    Wiltshire  (557)
6th    Devon  (561)

For the full individual results click here.

For the full team results click here.

We would like to thank the parents for taking the time out to get the boys to Launceston, and the boys for their representation. We would also like to thank Dorset Junior President and SWCGA President Ian Clark for his attendance.

Next years competition will be hosted by Somerset County Golf Union at Taunton Vale Golf Club, and we look forward to improving this year’s result.

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