JUNIOR CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS - GLORY FOR RORY
A week after becoming a scratch golfer for the first time, Rory Mckenna put the icing on the cake of a fantastic season by winning the Junior Boys Club Championships.
In truth, it was always likely to be a shootout between the Island’s top two Juniors Rory, and Ollie Chedhomme, but with pretty awful conditions on the links, there was always the potential for an upset from the other players in the 8 strong field.
Ollie Chedhomme shot 74 in the morning to lead Rory by 3. It turned out to be the best score of the day and it was a quality round considering the conditions. Jayden Tucknott shot an excellent 79 underlying his battling qualities to lie in third.
Fuelled by Guernsey’s finest carvery in the clubhouse at lunch, the players were well prepared for the afternoon round where conditions proved to be even worse!
It became a war of attrition as Rory and Ollie battled it out for top spot. In the end Rory came out on top beating his rival by three shots in the afternoon session and although they finished on the same aggregate score, Rory had done just enough to win on countback.
Many congratulations to Rory on a great win and completing the Junior Island Championships and Junior Club Championships double. Well done to all the boys for battling in the tough conditions and in particular Jayden Tucknott who was a deserved winner of the Nett prize.
MAJOR MILESTONE FOR RORY AS HE BECOMES GUERNSEY’S NEWEST SCRATCH GOLFER
Rory Mckenna is ending the season on a high. The Guernsey Junior Boys Champion shot a superb 71 gross at the weekend in challenging conditions and as a result is now down to scratch for the first time.
It’s been some journey for Rory who has represented the club at all levels with distinction and been a flag bearer for Junior golf on the Island for a number of years. This year he became Island Junior Boys Champion for the first time in a high qualify final and underlined his class later in the season breaking 70 for the first time in a stroke play event with a stunning round of 68 gross. He was very unlucky not to be named in the men’s inter insular side earlier this month but travelled as reserve and will surely be a major player in the team in years ahead.
Away from the Island he has represented Hampshire and Captained the Under 16 team winning 10 of his last 12 matches against high class opposition. Although covid has halted his County career over the last couple of seasons, he will be a key member of the U18 squad next season.
He will be in action again this weekend defending his Junior Club title.
Many congratulations Rory from everyone at the club on a very well deserved milestone. We look forward to seeing you go on to even bigger and better things next season.
SHELDON TROPHY & GRIFFIN CUP - WINS FOR JAMES TROOP & ALEX MILLS
SHELDON TROPHY & GRIFFIN CUP - WINS FOR JAMES TROOP & ALEX MILLS
It was a blustery day at L’ancresse yesterday but yet again we saw some top quality golf from the field.
In the white tee Sheldon Trophy, James Troop was the winner with a very competent display in the tricky conditions. His round featured 10 pars and a brilliant birdie at the 4th. He came back in 39 and his 37 points ensured his second win of the season in the Ray Lowe Sporting Foundation Order of Merit. In second place was Jayden Tucknott who was edged out on countback. Jayden played superb golf making 14 pars and was only 3 over par when he stood on the 14th but a blob on that hole cost him dear. He rallied strongly but it was just not quite enough.
Rory Mckenna was third with a high quality round of 71 gross which featured birdies at the 1st, 10th & 11th highlighting yet again his ability to play well in all conditions.
In the red tee Griffin Cup the quality of the golf was superb with four players under par. Alex Mills produced a stunning round of 82 gross to land his 5th win of the season scoring 43 points. Alex made 8 pars and birdies at the 7th and 13th, he was out in 38. Runner up was Thomas Chamberlain whose consistent play continues to impress. He made 5 pars and had a fabulous back nine coming home in 41.
In third on countback was Ollie Farmer. The talented 17 handicapper is one to watch and the icing on the cake of his superb round was brilliant birdie on the 18th.
Next up we are back at L’ancresse on Sunday for the Boys and girls club championships.
REUBEN MAHY TROPHY & CINCINATTI CUP
The fields might be getting a little smaller as we reach the end of the season but the quality of golf remains high.
In the white tee Reuben Mahy Trophy Jayden Tucknott was the winner with an excellent round of 79 gross for 36 points. He was out in 42 and back in 37 making ten pars and a birdie at the 10th. Jayden has had a very good year in the Ray Lowe Sporting Foundation Order of Merit but surprisingly it was his first win of the season. He remains very much in contention for the title with all to play for. Runner up was Conor Mckenna, he was out and back in 38 and had eight pars and birdies at the 6th and 14th.
The Cincinatti Cup was fiercely contested and half the field were under par. It ended up being a debut to remember off the red tees for Noah Millar. He put together a great round scoring 44 points which included 5 pars. Runner up was Thomas Chamberlain with 40 points beating Alex Mills on countback. Thomas made 8 pars in his 87 gross and Alex made birdies at the 4th and 8th. There are just two points between order of merit leader Josh Neville and Alex so it’s all to play for in the final few events.
In the blue tee competition Rory Clarke was the sole competitor after a late withdrawal. Paired with the more experienced Thomas and Alex, he rose to the occasion hitting a bomb off the first tee that very nearly ended up on the green. His 23 points featured brilliant birdies at the 1st and 4th, a superb round.
Next up we are back at L’ancresse on Sunday for the rescheduled Sheldon Trophy & Griffin Cup. Entry is open till Wednesday.
LEWIS O’BRIEN SHINES ON HAMPSHIRE JUNIOR TRAINING DAY
Lewis O’Brien had a day to remember today. After a series of impressive displays this season, the talented 9 year old was invited to train with the Hampshire U12 squad this weekend.
His Father Dan kept it as a surprise and told Lewis he was just going over to the UK to play golf!
The training day was on the Wellington course at stunning Sherfield Oaks, a par 72 course completely different to anything Lewis has played before. After meeting the other players and practicing, Lewis played 18 holes. Despite being three years younger than the oldest player and having to play from the yellow tees for the first time, Lewis was completely unfazed by the occasion. He scored a brilliant 41 points, a fantastic round of golf. It’s fair to say the selectors were seriously impressed and confirmed that Lewis will be joining the squad next year.
Many congratulations Lewis, it’s brilliant to see one of our brightest talents showcase his skills in the UK but to do it at such a young age is simply outstanding. We wish you all the best in your Junior Hampshire Career.
Sheldon Trophy and Griffin Cup start times
VALENTINE TROPHY & ST DAVID’S CUP
Perfect golfing weather greeted the field in the Valentine Trophy & St David’s Cup.
In the white tee Valentine Trophy, Conor Mckenna bagged his fourth win of the season with one of his very best rounds. Conor’s 71 gross for 38 points included 13 pars and he was out in 37 returning in a superb one under 34 with birdies at the 15th and 18th. Runner up was Jamie Trebert who was agonisingly pipped on countback for the second time this season. He was out in 38 with a birdie on the sixth and back in 40 for an excellent 78 gross. The consolation for Jamie is that he is now down to 9.3 and a solid round away from being single figures at his home course for the first time. Meanwhile Conor looks to have an unassailable lead in the order of merit.
In the red tee St David’s Cup Josh Neville also notched his fourth Ray Lowe Sporting Foundation order of merit series win of the season with a superb 38 points. Runner up was Alex Mills with yet another solid display scoring 37 points. There are just two points seperating the boys in what promises to be an exciting end to the season.
Next up we are back at L’ancresse this Sunday for the Reuben Mahy Trophy & Cincinatti Cup
