Tom keeps up family tradition

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A golfer from Yalding has achieved his dream by landing the club championship previously held by both his dad and grandad. Tom Farrell, 20, won the Wrotham Heath title 45 years after grandad Earl’s 1971 success and four years on from the last of dad Nick’s three crowns. Tom, competing in the tournament for the fourth time, triumphed by two shots. He said: “It’s always been my dream to do it. Golf’s been a massive part of my family for such a long time. “My dad and grandad were both good players and I always wanted to follow in their footsteps. “They’re both past captains as well – the club has always been a special place to us. “It’s been my aim to win it but I didn’t expect to do it this early. “I’ve always trusted my ability but to win it at 20 was a bit of a surprise.” Tom, who works in the Wrotham Heath pro shop, has seen his handicap drop from seven to five on the back of winning the club championship. He’s made rapid progress having only started playing seriously in the last five years. But he believes he has a way to go before he can consider himself in the same league as his dad, who won the championship in 2008, 2011 and 2012. Tom added: “One of my main aims is to play off scratch. “The lowest my dad got down to was one and he’s said if I make it to scratch he’ll admit I’m a better player! “He’s always said I swing it better than him but he’s never said I’m a better player and I still don’t think I am. I just want to play and win the stuff he did. “The club championship was definitely on the list but to win it so soon was a big shock. “He was surprised as well, although he took me to one side before my second round and told me I had a good chance. “He told me to keep calm and enjoy it and that’s what I did.”