We travelled to Kirby Muxloe Golf Club to play in the Midland Under 16s County Championship, playing against 9 other County Teams. Play was in threes with our players paired with players from the other Counties.
Play was from the white medal tees and with wet conditions the Course was playing long. The rain became heavier in the afternoon, slowing down the speed of the greens.
First to tee off for Northamptonshire was Josh Bland. Josh was 2 over after 6 holes but birdied 7 and 8 to finish the front 9 at level par. On the back 9 he had 3 birdies and a bogey to stand 2 under par with 3 holes to play. 2 of these holes were tough par 3s and Josh bogied both of these to finish his round at level par 71. This score was the equal second best out of the 60 golfers and was a superb score for him and the Team. Well done Josh.
Next out was Zak Hobbs who had three bogeys and a birdie on the front 9, two over front 9. Back 9 started with a birdie on 10, but a triple bogey on 11 slowed his charge. Zak regrouped and hit 5 consecutive pars before a bogey on 17 and a par on 18 saw him finish with a creditable score of 76. A good start for the team.
Next out was young Harry O''Dell. Not surprisingly Harry made a nervy start going treble, bogey and double for his first 3 holes, 6 over par. He settled and scored 4 pars and two bogies to complete the front 9 in 8 over par which was excellent after his first 3 holes. On the back 9 Harry started with a birdie followed by two double bogeys. He then showed grit, determination and ability to finish his round with 6 pars for a score of 82, 11 over par. A massive well done to Harry and his score was our 5th counter out of 6 players. Next season will show just how good Harry can become.
Out 4th was young Riley Hammond. A good start with 2 pars was then spoiled with 9 shots dropped over the next 5 holes. Try as hard as he could, it was just not happening today for Riley despite two birdies on two of the par 5s on the back 9. Score was 86 for his round and as our 6th score it wasn't used in the team total. Riley will come again.
Isaac was out 5th for us and again he found the first few holes tough, dropping 5 shots over the first 3 holes. Isaac settled and then hit 7 consecutive pars. 5 over front 9 was followed by a gritty back 9 of 3 over par for a 79 total and a great recovery after his start, good effort Isaac.
Last out was Cameron Black. The weather had turned wet and breezy by the time Cameron teed off, however he dug in and scored 6 pars and just 3 bogeys on his front 9. At the turn a hot cup of coffee and a refresh took place and we convinced him that the back 9 was easier, Cameron proceeded to score one birdie and 2 bogeys for a 1 over par back 9 and a gross 75 for his round, just 5 bogeys and a birdie in the worst of the weather. Great effort Cameron, well played.
Our Team Score was 71,76,82,79 and 75 for a +28 total. This put us in 5th place out of the 10 Teams. Winners were Shropshire and Herefordshire with +22. However second place was +25, just three shots better than our score. A super effort guys especially as we didnt have a practice round and travelled up in the morning of the event.
County President Catherine travelled up with us to support the Boys and she was very impressed with the result and the Boys' general ability and behaviour.
John Gilding
NGL U16s Team Manager
