Now there’s one for Henry’s bucket list!
DENSTONE teenager Henry Moriarty enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime golfing experience when he volunteered to help out at the prestigious new JCB Championship at the weekend.
Morarty, a 21-handicap golfer himself and former Denstone College student, found himself caddying for Swiss professional Andre Bossert – and putting him up for the tournament.
The inaugural JCB Championship is part of the Legends Tour and an estimated 7,000 spectators came to watch such famous names as Darren Clarke, Ernie Els, Vijay Singh, Colin Montgomerie, Retief Goosen and John Daly strut their stuff.
The competition was won by German pro Alex Cejka, who triumphed with an 11 under par aggregate of 205 over the three rounds, shooting 69, 66 and 70.
He finished two shots ahead of
Paul Mcginley, with Clarke, Goosen and James Kingston tied for third on eight under par.
Further down the field, Moriarty was getting to know 58-year-old pro Bossert.
Moriarty had signed up as a caddy but when the golfer he was originally assigned to was unable to play, he swallowed his disappointment and joined the 150-strong army of volunteers helping out at the tournament.
Then, Bossert was added to the tournament list at the last minute – and needed a caddy.
“I was helping on the driving range and chatting to one of the caddies, who asked if I knew anyone who could step in, so I jumped at the chance,” said Moriarty.
“The JCB course is amazing and I’ve played it four or five times, so I could advise him and give him some guidance.
“He is a fantastic golfer. His attention to detail and professionalism were incredible to see and I’ve learned a lot from watching and talking to him.
“He was also a great person to get to know. He stayed with us throughout the competition, ate with my family for the first night and then invited me to join him for the players’ barbecue and meals each evening.
“It has definitely been an unexpected experience but it has been brilliant for me and I’ve really enjoyed it.”
Bossert finished the tournament in a resectable 34th out of 80 competitors with rounds of 73, 71 and 74.
Now, with the experience under his belt, Moriarty is hoping to secure further caddying work.
The JCB Championship is part of a tour with a £600,000 prize fund.
All profits from the event are to be donated to the JCB NSPCC Platinum Jubilee Appeal.
JCB Golf & Country Club general Manager Mark Addison said: “The JCB Championship has been a fantastic success.
“It was our first international three-day competition and it was brilliant to be able to welcome golf enthusiasts and the local community to the course.
“The 150 volunteers and our amazing staff were key to the whole event’s success and we cannot thank them enough.
“This has really put the club on the international tournament map and the professional golfers all praised the course, the hospitality, staff and organisation of the whole weekend.”
For the full list of final scores, visit www.jcbchampionship. co.uk.