Warwickshire Golf
WARWICKSHIRE BOYS 4 COUNTIES REPORT - SO NEAR YET SO FAR
We were all looking forward to the four counties tournament having had the practice round on Sunday the 15th April with Tom Whitehouse. The players drawing on his knowledge and with an early morning session at the Belfry driving range on day one we were ready to go.
The good weather had also come out for us, the Green Keeper and course manager at Drayton Park had done a fantastic job in presenting the course, even commissioning their new water system early for us all.
First up was Gloucester, Rhys lead the team out and couldn't get away from the Gloucester number one and with a missed putt by Rhys for a win on 17 and a good up and down from Toby on 18 saw the match finish all Square. Rocco out 2nd fought hard but couldn't get the better of Ollie Jenkins and lost 1 down, Vice Captain Jacob Parsons playing some great golf won convincingly 4/3, that was almost the end of the good news as Mitch was never in his game and was fighting the hooks going down 4&3. Ethan was in a closer match but his young opponent saw the game out 2up. Theo gave us some hope with a 2&1 win, but there was no good news from the back of the field with Luke going behind early in his game and finally losing 5&3, Alex Ford playing the experienced Max Holford and couldn't get into the game and lost 4&3. Final result 5.5-2.5 loss. The difference in the teams was easy to see as a team we missed too many fairways. CLICK TO VIEW SCORESHEET
On the Thursday morning we took on Staffordshire who had beaten Worcester in their first match 5-3, We changed the order to see if that would make a difference Mitch Hopwood going out first found himself 5 down very quickly he kept battling but the hooks grabbed hold of him and finally went down 4&3. Rhys was involved in a very close match with Zarak Curley never more than 1 hole in the match and with the match all square on 18 both players missed the fairway, Zarak was able to make par to win 1up. Alex was next and battled hard coming back from 4 down at one point to 1 down before losing 2&1. Then some good news Rocco managed a 2&1 win having been in control of his game throughout. Jacob and Ethan both won very close matches 1up, Ethan getting up and down from the green side bunker for par to win on 18th was the highlight.. The last two matches were one sided Luke going down 5&4 and Theo winning 6&5 our biggest win of the two days. This very close matched finished 4-4. In the other match Worcester Beat Gloucester 5-3. CLICK TO VIEW SCORESHEET
Dependant on Results in the final matches everyone could still win this event the Gloucester v Staffordshire match finished 4-4 and a convincing win by us would see us win the tournament!
Luke went out first and although he was down early on battled back to win 2&1, Mitch out second again found himself 5 down (he does seem to like making it hard for himself) fought back and finally won 1up, Alex battled hard but could not get the better of Harrison Lever he kept the match alive to the 18th before losing 2 down. I loaded the middle of the order to get some points but this plan did not work, Rocco missing to many fairways lost 3-2 despite a great eagle on 13, Theo having requested to play Evan managed to lose 5-4 (and was seen in the trees having missed a number fairways which is unheard of!), 'Mr Reliable' Jacob confused himself in his performance also losing 5&4, that left us 4-2 down with Rhys & Ethan left on the course, Rhys was 2 down after ten holes before winning 4 holes on the trot including an eagle on 13 after which he held onto his lead a finally won 3&1, we were now 4-3 down and news came back that Ethan had lost a 2 hole lead and was all back to all square, he battled back winning 13,15 &16 to finish 3&2 and the match was halved again 4-4. CLICK TO VIEW SCORE SHEET
Unfortunately, not enough for us on the day and to make things worse our halved match resulted in a Staffordshire tournament win. We have never been so popular in Staffordshire!! Their Past President Roger admitted it was the first time he ever wanted a Warwickshire result. All of the matches between the Counties were very close and played in a great sportsman like spirit.
The short Drayton Park course didn't suit our team of big hitters, we lost the tournament collectively due to the number of fairways we missed over the two days, something for all the team to work on. Statistics for fairways missed is a most for you all, improve that area and all of your scores will improve.
I would like to thank all of the team at Drayton Park Golf Club, the Green keepers Course manager, Ball spotters (Club Members), Pro Shop, Bar and catering staff who were first class looking after all four teams.
Thank you to our supporters Graham Barton, John Duncombe, John Stubbings, Mark Reynolds and Matt Nixon. A Special thank you to Scot Trouth who was the only parent able to watch the golf during the 2 days and of course to Chris Watson for all his hard work over the two days.
Order of Merit points earned:
Jacob 5
Ethan 5
Theo 5
Rhys 4
Rocco 3
Mitch 3
Luke 3
Alex 1
Bob Wallace
Under 18 Boys Manager
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