UNDER 18 – SOUTH EAST QUALIFIER
The Suffolk County Golf Boys U18 squad played in the SE England Boys Qualifier (6-man) at John O’Gaunt Golf Club on Tuesday. After our epic efforts last year, Suffolk went into the event feeling very confident, fielding a very strong and experienced team.
Despite the best efforts of mother nature, the course was in superb condition and held up brilliantly in the heavy rain and strong winds. The difficulty in the playing conditions was reflected in the scoring, with only 4 out of 66 elite players returning under par scores for the 36 hole stroke play event.
Unfortunately, the Suffolk team found it tough going and everyone dropped shots from good positions. The greens were in fantastic condition, but they turned out to be our nemesis as putt after putt slip by the edge. The rain further slowed the greens up in the afternoon and unfortunately we failed to adjust.
Reuben Harvey was the stand out player for Suffolk and put in a captains performance. He led from the front and was our lowest scorer finishing tied 18th. When the scores were counted Suffolk was a very disappointing 10th, but the team learnt a lot and will be back stronger next year.
Congratulations to Surrey who won and now go through to the national final. They were impressive and had the lowest combined score seen in recent years. Good luck to them for the final.
The Suffolk U18 team was: Reuben Harvey (captain), Harry Brinded (vice captain), Dominic Rudd, Liam Buggs, Fraser Johnson, George Swallow.
