Surrey Golf
2023 Rookie League Finals
The U18 final was between Farnham and Walton Heath, whilst the U14 final was between Horne Park and Wentworth. The teams consisted of the following players:
Farnham: Will Cornwall, Caleb Strauss, Josh Strauss, Joe McSweeney
Walton Heath: Barnaby Maisey, Calum Smithson, Harrison Brindley, William Russell
Horne Park: Zac Ford, Will Kingerlee, Jack Carson, Ben Danton
Wentworth: Kodi Dean, Callum Bailey, Seth Chandler, Amelia Van De Mortel
In both the U14 & U18 age groups, the Rookie League consists of two fourball better ball matches, with 1 point awarded for each match won (0.5 points for a halved match). In the event of a 1-1 tie taking place in the final, the first named pair will play off in a sudden death format.
Both finals were started by Clandon Regis GC President Ian Mitchell, a long-time volunteer with the county, and we thank Ian for giving up his Sunday to do the starting for us.
Despite the incredibly wet weather as of late, the players were met with warm sunshine when they arrived at Clandon Regis, making a very nice change! The U18 final took to the course first, and some good golf from Farnham saw them get off to a fast start in both matches. The first Farnham pair of Will Cornwall and Caleb Strauss were 2up after 9 holes, whilst the second pair of Josh Strauss and Joe McSweeney were 3up after as many holes.
Neither pair would relinquish their lead as they played the back 9, with the first pair winning 3&2 and the second pair winning 5&4, resulting in a convincing 2-0 win for Farnham over Walton Heath in the U18s.
The U14 final would prove to be a closer affair; at the halfway stage, Horne Park were 2up in the first match, with Wentworth 1up in the second match. The second Wentworth Pair of Seth Chandler and Amelia Van De Mortel played a fantastic back 9 to close their match out early, leaving Horne Park needing to win the first match to take it to a playoff.
Horne Park’s captain Zac Ford and partner Will Kingerlee were duly up to the task, seeing their match out 3&2 on the 16th, meaning that we were heading to a playoff.
The playoff was to be sudden death over holes 16, 17, & 18 (played as many times as required). All four players hit good tee shots on the first playoff hole, before Will Kingerlee (receiving a shot on the hole) knocked his second shot into the heart of the green, a massive blow to the Wentworth pair.
With the other three players struggling around him, Will hit a lovely lag putt up to around two and a half feet, before knocking in his par putt to secure the U14 Rookie League for Horne Park.
After play, the players received a very welcome meal in the Clandon Regis Clubhouse, followed by the trophy presentation, which was done by the Surrey Chairman, Terry Casey.
Out thanks to Clandon Regis Golf Club for their excellent hospitality and for hosting the rearranged finals for us at short notice, as well as to Ian Mitchell for doing the starting and Terry Casey for doing the trophy presentation. Lastly, congratulations to:
Horne Park Golf Club – U14 Rookie League Winners 2023
Farnham Golf Club – U18 Rookie League Winners 2023
We look forward to another excellent Rookie League season in 2024, and we hope for some better weather for the 2024 finals later in the year!
Andrew Mead
Surrey Golf Manager
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