Douglas Johns
The Douglas Johns was held as it always is at the wonderful Harewood Downs Golf Club in Buckinghamshire. The course was in magnificent condition and the club welcomed 60 of the best U15 players in the country. There were international entrants from Singapore and Dubai which only added to the prestige and kudos of the event. The handicaps of the competitors ranged from 6 to an impressive -2. It is a chance for the boys to compete for what is now known as the National U15 title, and previous winners include Major Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist Justin Rose.
A slight breeze was present all day but the morning saw the best of the weather. The scoring illustrated just how talented the boys are and Oliver Dickman (Cuckfield) opened up with a best of the day gross 66 (-3). This was closely followed by Matthew Jackman (Southport & Ainsdale) with 67. In the morning they were the only players to break par but many were left only a few strokes back going into the afternoon, with all to play for.
The afternoon consisted of very light drizzle with one ten minute spell of torrential rain but the course held up beautifully and once the rain had passed through it was back to business. Oliver continued his fine form from the morning and added a 67 (-2) to go with his morning round of 66 to give him a total of 133 (-5). This score proved to be just too much for the chasing pack to catch up. John Richardson (Royal Mid Surrey) finished in second place with a total of 139 (+1). Matthew Jackman was back in third and a afternoon round of 72 (+3) combined with his morning round of 67 gave him a total of 139 just missing out on second after countback. The handicap prize was won by Alfie Robinson (Pyecombe) with a fabulous net score of 132. This beat Dominic Barron-Holden (Kendal) to the title by three strokes with Dominic’s net total being 135.
The BB&O are very grateful to the members of Harewood Downs for allowing the boys use of the course before and during the event. Additionally, Richard Hall and all the staff at the club for presenting a wonderful golf course and first class hospitality throughout. We hope to see 60 more of the best U15’s next year.
For the full result please click here
Oliver Dickman with Harewood Downs Captain and BB&O President
