British Boys Championship
The British Boys Championship is one of the biggest junior events in the world. Over 250 Juniors from around the world took part over two of Ireland’s best golf courses, Portstewart & Royal Portrush. BB&O had four players playing, Harrison Arnold (Castle Royle), Melan Dhaubhadel (Calcot Park), Tom Lawton (East Berkshire) & Conor Gough (Stoke Park). Harrison, Melan & Conor all qualified for the matchplay stage by finishing in the top 64 after the strokplay. The matchplay rounds were all played at the famous Royal Portrush.
Melan unfortunately lost 3&1 against Javier Barcos Garbayo but he can still take a lot of positives from the experience. Harrison’s match went to extra holes and he eventually won on the 19th. In the second round he was up against a fellow Englishman. Harrison lost 2&1 but like Melan he can take a lot of pride and confidence from his performances.
Conor was up against it in his first match as he battled with the highly regarded Dane, Rasmus Hojgaard. It was a tight affair but Conor won on the 22nd hole which advanced him into the second round.On Friday 17th August Conor beat Matthew Jackman 4&2 and then in the afternoon he dispatched Aidan O’Hagan 7&6. This set up a quarter final against the brother of the Danish competitor he faced in the first round, Nicolai Hojgaard. A 4&3 victory which included 6 birdies ensured Conor a place in the semi finals. His semi final opponent was Jensen Hull who coincidentally knocked out BB&O Junior Elite Captain Harrison Arnold earlier in the matchplay stages. Conor continued his great form and dispatched Jensen 4&3. It was hoped that Conor could go one better than Eddie Pepperell who reached the final back in 2009 but eventually finished runner up to Tom Lewis. Conor was up against Luis Jose Ballester from Spain. The final was played over 36 holes and it was tight affair for the first 27 holes and with just 9 holes to play Conor had a slender 1up lead. Luis birdied the 10th to square things up and both players birdied the 11th. Things were starting to heat up and Luis birdied the par 5 12th but this was not good enough as Conor made eagle to edge back in front. Both players made par on the 13th but on the 14th Conor made yet another birdie to move 2up with just 4 holes left to play. Both players parred the 15th & 16th leaving Conor 2up with just the 17th & 18th left to play. Luis conceded the 17th meaning Conor Gough was crowned 2018 British Boys Champion.
Conor, at just 15 years of age, is the first Englishman to win the Championship since Matt Fitzpatrick in 2012. The Boys Amateur Championship Trophy will sit along side the Fairhaven & MacGregor Trophies that he has also won this year. The victory qualifies Conor to represent Europe at the Junior Ryder Cup at Disneyland Paris. All at BB&O would like to pass on our congratulations to Conor on his historic victory.
Please Click Here to view the Strokeplay results
Please Click Here for Conor’s Round by Round Matchplay results
Please Click Here to view the R&A News Article
