Junior Championship
On a blustery but dry day the Buckinghamshire offered a true test for the 2014 BB&O Junior Championship. Michael East, defending the title he won last year, was paired with George Gardner, whose recent form has been scintillating. Third in both the South Eastern Group Junior Championship and the Carris Trophy, both at Moor Park, and full County recognition are only a few of George’s achievements this season.
Chris Little has not been at his very best this season, largely due to a rigorous ‘A’ Level exam schedule, showed some return to form with a 66 at the East Berkshire Junior Stag last week and again produced two fine rounds at Buckinghamshire, of 72 and 73, to finish in sole possession of 3rd place. He would have been disappointed, however, to drop some shots in his last three holes.
Kristian Tannum-Donaldson, a member of Buckinghamshire and third in the BB&O U14 Order Of Merit, produced a fine afternoon round of 69 to finish 2nd on level par. This was a fitting way to celebrate his 15th birthday just one day before the Championship, he also claimed both the Under 16 Trophy and the Handicap Trophy by wide margins. Kristian was one of many younger boys to make their mark with Aaron Siddell, Ollie Huggins, Nick Elmey, Peter Handcock and Ross Hampshire all finishing within the top 10. A special mention for Peter who scored his first hole-in-one on the 9th hole.
The headlines, however, are reserved for George who despite trailing Damien Hewitt (71), after the morning round, produced a flawless display in the afternoon to shoot a 5 under par 67 to take the title by 5 shots. A round that contained one eagle, four birdies and a solitary dropped shot, a three putt on the 7th hole, was constructed with planning, execution and efficiency.
The British Boys Championship played at Prestwick and Dundonald golf courses in Scotland between 12th and 17th August will offer George and the other BB&O representatives a chance to pit their wits against the best international field assembled for any junior tournament in 2014. We wish them all the very best.
Click HERE for the results.
George Gardner – Junior Champion
Kristian Tannum-Donaldson – Under 16 Champion – Junior Handicap Champion
