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.
The scene is set for a sparkling second day with 9 players at level par or better and another beautiful day forecast.
