Junior Open

Thirty-seven players took part in the annual S&J Communications Junior Open today. Twenty-five were in the main competition and a further twelve youngsters, who do not have an official handicap yet, took part in a 12-hole Stableford event all playing off a nominal 28 handicap. As well as the "home" players taking part, Newbury Racecourse welcomed players from nine other golf clubs (Deanwood, Donnington Valley, Castle Royle, Frilford Heath, Hadden Hill, Hazlemere, Reading, Sandford Springs and Woburn). Conditions today were very testing with a strong easterly wind blowing, but these conditions did not prevent some fantastic scores being returned and a very exciting finish to the event.

In the gross competition, Max Nicholls (NRGC) and Ben Gilbert (Newbury & Crookham) were tied after both shooting superb rounds of 72. A two-hole aggregate play-off ensued with Max Nicholls just edging out Ben after birdies on both play-off holes. Third place went to Chris Little (Frilford Heath) on 73, followed by last year's winner Jordan Williams (Frilford Heath) one shot further back. Full result - click here.
The nett competition witnessed more great scoring. The winner was Josh Gilbert (Newbury & Crookham) with a superb nett 62. Josh was followed by Ben Gilbert (nett 65), but as Ben had already captured the runner-up prize in the gross category, the runner-up prize went to third-placed Marcus Pugh (Hazlemere). Full result - click here.
The yellow-tee Stableford was won by Jamie Wallin and runner-up was Jack Oades.
For a full list of prize winners - click here.
















To see more pictures ... click here.

Finally, some thank-you's are in order...

Firstly to Peter Smith from S&J Communications for his continued sponsorship of this event and his generosity in keeping the whole support team "fed and watered".
Nick Mitchell and Lorraine Storey for their organisation and support of this event.
Richard Holmes and his green staff for the superb and ever-improving condition of the course.
Fiona and her team in the clubhouse for all the catering today - the meal was fantastic.
The team of Seniors helping with all jobs from starting to scoring to photography - John & Marian Taylor, Mike & Judy Willson, John Christopher, Paul Tebbutt and Andrew Buchanan.
Captains Jon Miller and Sam Whiting for presenting the prizes.
And finally to all the competitors today - thank-you for taking part and we hope to see you again next year.