Champ Hill displays a real Stroke of genius
JOSHUA HILL made up a three-shot deficit to claim the boys’ title at the North of England Under-14 Strokeplay Championship at South Moor GC.
The 13-year-old, representing the Jumeirah Golf Estate in Dubai, followed up his first-round 78 with a 76 to stay in contention going into the final day.
The two handicapper, who won the under-12 title last year, then showed his class on the final day to card a quality round of 75.
In a field of more than 75 in a competition growing in pedigree by the year, it was the lowest score of the day and enabled Hill to climb through the field and take the title on 229 - one shot ahead of the chasing pack.
The Dubai-based youngster, who plays off +2, has spent the last month playing tournaments in the UK.
Hill pipped young Scot Cameron Adam to the honours, Duran Gun of George Washington Golf Club a stroke further back in third.
Young Joshua Berry (Doncaster GC) took the under-12 honours after posting a final-round score of 77 for a total of 238, edging out Dylan Shaw (Radford) by a stroke.
Hannah Golding recorded a final round of 80 for an aggregate score of 238 to clinch the girls’ title by seven shots from her good friend Kirsten Porte (Gaudet Luce GC, Worcestershire].
Porte won the best handicap prize with a nett score of 212.
Libby Bell (Gosforth Park Ladies) was awarded the best girls’ handicap prize on 221.
The Team Trophy, decided by taking the two best scores from a squad of three players, was decided over the first two days of the championship to provide a 72-hole total.
It was claimed by The Celtic Raiders, a squad from north of the border made up of Cameron Adam, Cameron Johnston and Aiden O’Hagen with a gross score of 3 07. The handicap team prize was won by The Three Girls team of Golding, Porte and Constance Brooks with a nett score of 281.
The championship , which has now become a permanent fixture at South Moor, already has a spot booked in the calendar for 2018 – it is set to take place from August 1-3.
Now in its fourth year, it was organised in association with former England Golf president Roy Case, who runs Golf Concepts.
A club spokesman said: “Over the past seven years, South Moor has delivered a major junior event every year and we are looking to grow these events as we move forward.
“As ever, this would not have been possible without the loyal band of volunteers who help to make the event such a success and who help to put the club on the map. We are already looking forward to next year.”