88th Amateur Championship
The 88th Amateur Championship was held at Frilford Heath over the 11th & 12th August. The first round was played over the Blue Course with the other 3 rounds being played on the Red Course. This year saw 102 people enter the event for only 72 spaces.
With over 30 players in the field with a handicap of scratch or better to make day two and the top 16 and ties was always going to be tough. The early pace was set by Tim Shin (Castle Royle) whose 68 (-4) on the Blue course was a new amateur course record. Tom Butterworth (Harewood Downs) was the only other player to break par with his opening round of 70 (-2). Last years champion John Kemp was not too far behind with a 73 (+1). At lunchtime the top 16 players were at 74 or better giving the players an idea of what the cut might be.
Over to the Red Course for the afternoon rounds and it was Melan Dhaubhadel (Calcot Park) whose best of the afternoon 70 (-2) helped him make up some ground on the leaders. Tim Shin did not give much hope to the chasing pack as he carded a very steady 72 (Level) giving him an overnight lead of 3 strokes from Melan. Melan did seal victory in the Penfold Trophy of which is the best net score over the first 36 holes. His net score of 143 was good enough to beat Phil Williams (Buckinghamshire) by 3 strokes. The cut line fell at 150 with exactly 16 players making it through to the next day.
The second day was set up perfectly and there was still everything to play for but 36 holes round the challenging Red Course would be no push over. Tim Shin extended his lead after a morning round of 69 (-3) which was matched by John Kemp. Melan lost some ground on Tim but he did shoot a fine level par 72.
Moving onto the afternoon it was Tim’s to loose but any hopes for the chasing pack of victory were over when Tim carded a fine 69 (-3) to give him a 72 hole total of 280. Melan could olny manage a 71 (-1) but this sealed him second spot with a total of 286. Gregor McKenzie (Kirtlington) fired a new course record on the Red with 67 (-5) and this moved him dramatically up the leaderboard into 3rd. Defending champion John Kemp was in fourth on countback with the same total as Gregor, a valiant defence of his title.
Special thanks to Frilford Heath’s members for supporting the event. A huge thank you must go to the staff of Frilford Heath for presenting two fabulous golf courses and for their hospitality over the two days.
Click here for the full result
Click here for the full Penfold Trophy result
Tim Shin (Castle Royle)
Melan Dhaubhadel (Calcot Park)
