County Teams Update
The last few weeks are the busiest in the season for county teams.
The Under 14’s narrowly missed out on winning their South Eastern League in a clutch match against Surrey at Clandon Regis. Both teams were even on points having beaten Hampshire and Sussex twice, and drawing their previous match earlier in the season. Unfortunately Surrey made full use of their home advantage and just edged ahead with a 6.5 – 3.5 win. Although disappointed with their runners up position, the Under 14 Squad continues to strengthen year on year and Alan Sweet (Manager) is both pleased and proud of their recent progress.
The Boys 6 Man Team Qualifier was held at John O’Gaunt on Tuesday 4th July. The 11 South Eastern Group counties compete in a 36 hole stroke play event where the best 5 of 6 scores per session count in their aggregate score. The winning county goes on to the national finals administered by England Golf. Representing BB&O were Connor Jacob (Goring & Streatley), Drew Rolfe (Calcot Park), Freddie Dortmans (East Berkshire), Joe Getley (Harewood Downs), Bradley Hopkins (Newbury & Crookham) and Richie Dawe (Kirtlington).
In very heavy, wet weather the boys competed in what must now be the strongest region in the country. Unfortunately they couldn’t get things going and eventually finished in 6th position behind an extremely impressive Surrey team who were pushed all the way by Essex. Connor Jacob was BB&O’s highlight of the day and his scores of 68, 75 gave him 6th position individually.
The Mens 6 Man Team Qualifier followed a week later at Farleigh Golf Club in Surrey. BB&O fielded an extremely strong team of Rory Browne (Feldon Valley), Harrison Arnold (Castle Royle), Luke Perkins (Frilford Heath), Ben Quick (Beaconsfield), Ben Loveard (Woburn) and Carl Banner (Beaconsfield). Again, although their combined handicap was +21.8, competition at that level is fierce. The day itself proved to be exceptionally challenging with winds of up to 50 mph on a golf course that was set up test the very best players in the south east. Despite some great spells of golf, scoring proved difficult which made the Kent score of +9 (between 10 rounds) remarkable. Carl Banner was BB&O’s top performer finishing in 9th place. The team finished in 5th position and although they didn’t qualify for the national finals, they still have a great chance of winning their South Eastern Group League later this season.
With just the Seniors 6 Man Team Qualifier remaining, BB&O headed up to Norfolk to compete at Heacham Manor Golf Club. Like the boys, the Seniors team never really fulfilled their potential and made too many mistakes to compete for the lead spot. The team of George Wilson (Calcot Park), Tim Whittaker (Beaconsfield), John Kennedy (Frilford Heath), Mike Sanders (Beaconsfield), Richard Lee (Goring & Streatley) and Malcolm Reid (Castle Royle) finished in 7th spot with John Kennedy the highest finisher with scores of 76, 72.
The Boys 6 Man Team 2023
