The stage was set for BB&O’s premier event as the Amateur Championship returned to the magnificent Woburn Golf Club. Renowned for its championship pedigree and immaculate conditioning, Woburn provides a fitting test for the county’s finest players, with two days of demanding competition set to determine this year’s champion. With World Amateur Golf Ranking points on offer and a strong field representing clubs from across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, the championship promised golf of the highest standard on one of England’s most celebrated inland courses.
Home advantage counted during the opening round as Ben Loveard fired an excellent four-under-par 68 to take the first-round lead. Fellow Woburn members Edward Stephenson & John Kemp and Sand Martins’ Oliver Martin sat one shot back heading into the second round. Just two shots off the pace was Thomas Kirchner (Beaconsfield), who’s composed 70 left him well placed. A group of three players on 71 (-1), with Freddie Wheeler (Tadmarton Heath), another Woburn representative Justin Rhodes, and Tommy Evans (Beaconsfield) all remained firmly in contention.
As the weather warmed up in the afternoon, so did scoring. Ashley Watkins followed a morning round of +5 with a fantastic 6 under par 66. Sub par rounds by Lee Moore, Olly Hunt, Richard Craven, Dan Butteriss, Jacob Dines and Charlie Robb were enough to ensure they made the cut.
Thomas James moved up into 4th place with another fine 66 and Ben McFadden made 9 birdies when posting his 66 to move above Thomas and take up joint second place at 5 under par after both Oliver Martin and Ben Loveard followed sub par morning rounds with red figures in the afternoon. Oliver rests on top of the Leaderboard at 6 under par, but he will know that he has a host of players close on his tail.
Congratulations to Thomas who takes home the Penfold Trophy for the best nett score after day 1.Â
Ben Loveard took centre stage in the third round as he remains the only player to break par in every round. Ben sat on -6 heading into the afternoon. Ben McFadden sat just 2 shots back on -4. Thomas continues to impress as the U16 squad member moves inside the top 3. Oli unfortunately couldn’t convert any of the great approach shots he hit as he dropped to -2 after 54 holes.Â
Birdies were on the card in the afternoon as Thomas charged up the leaderboard with 5 birdies alongside a double in his first 7 holes. Meanwhile Ben M took control of the championship after firing 4 birdies to reach -8. Ben L had a calmer approach with 1 birdie and 1 bogey. An unfortunate double on 8 for Ben M left, Thomas and both Ben’s on -6 after 8 holes. As they passed the turn, Thomas dropped a shot on the drivable par 4 12th as both Ben’s gained ground with a birdie. Only 1 shot separated the 3 players with 6 holes to go. A couple of late dropped shots left Thomas on -3 (level for the afternoon round). The putts started to drop for Ben L on the back nine as he moved ahead of the pack. After a -3 back nine, Ben L took a 3 shot lead heading down the final hole on -8. Once he hit a good drive, he was able to enjoy the walk and take in the moment.Â
After losing out in a play-off last year, Ben L used his home advantage as the only player to finish with all 4 rounds in the red. Congratulations Ben, a well deserved winner!
