Kent Golf Limited
Joshua Bristow (Etchinghill) wins the Kent Junior Championship 2013 at St. Augustines Golf Club
Joshua Bristow wins Kent Junior Championship 12 Under Par
Following the successful South East Regional Championships at Sundridge Park the previous week, 54 of Kent’s own junior boys turned out on 26 July at the very hospitable St. Augustines Golf Club near Ramsgate to contest this year’s Kent Golf Union Junior Championship.
On a beautiful day and perfect conditions for low scoring, the boys did not disappoint. Oliver Daws from Royal Cinque Ports, despite losing his ball on the very first drive of the day, still managed to return a morning round score in this 36 hole event of 66 as did Liam Orchard of Sittingbourne. Fifteen year old Tom O’Reilly of Sidcup went one better with a 65 four under par, but lunch was best enjoyed by Joshua Bristow of Etchinghill who recorded an astonishing eight under par 61. Joshua’s round contained eight birdies, one eagle and two bogies – WOW!
The low scoring continued in the afternoon; Liam Orchard coming in with a very respectable 67 to add to his morning 66, to finish third on 133, five under par. Tom O’Reilly was consistent with his second 65 of the day to finish second on 130, eight under par. The winner was of course, Joshua Bristow who added an afternoon round of 65 to his morning 61 finishing on 126, a staggering twelve under par.
The standard of these junior golfers was excellent and competitors ranged from 12 to 18 years of age. Some have golf bags as big as themselves but that is where their youthful stature ends. Witnessing a drive struck 220 to 250 yards by a twelve year old is a sight to behold and long may it continue as the present batch of players progress to bigger and better achievements.
Kent Golf Union does a great deal to develop junior golfers in the County and provides professional coaching for youngsters who have been identified with talent. They work in conjunction with their own regular coach, to establish areas of weakness. Indeed, the majority of the 54 competitors in this event have received County coaching and several have represented Kent in inter-county matches. Two Golf England officials were present and on the look-out for talent to further develop and hopefully represent England. Golf Club Junior Organisers as well as parents are encouraged to identify and promote juniors with potential, initially via the County Secretary and in so doing they will help to maintain the future prosperity of golf in Kent and the Country.
Bob Walden
Kent Golf Union Winner Joshua Bristow (Etchinghill) being presented with the Championship Cup and invitation to the County Dinner by Jim Pocknell (President, Kent Golf Union) Joshua Bristow (Etchinghill) with Jim Radford (Captain, St. Augustine's Golf Club) Thomas O'Reilly (Sidcup) with his Runners-up medal and Jim Radford (Captain, St. Augustine's Golf Club) Liam Orchard (Sittingbourne) being presented with his bronze medal by Jim Radford (Captain, St. Augustine's Golf Club) Thomas O'Reilly (Sidcup) being presented with the A.E. Packman Trophy by Jim Pocknell (President, Kent Golf Union) Samuel Abbott (West Kent) being presented with the Handicap Cup (Richard Young Cup) by Jim Pocknell (President, Kent Golf Union) Jack Holland (Prince's) receiving his medal from Jim Radford (Captain, St. Augustine's Golf Club) for Under 14 Age Group Winner From left to right: Jim Radford, Sam Abbott, Tom O'Reilly, Josh Bristow, Ollie Daws, Max Orrin and Jim Pocknell Max Orrin receiving a cheque for £500 from Kent Golf Union towards his bursary Ollie Daws (Royal Cinque Ports) with Jim Radford (Captain, St. Augustine's Golf Club) receiving a letter of congratulations on his selection for England Schools in the forthcoming Home International against Scotland Max Orrin (North Foreland) with Jim Pocknell (President, Kent Golf Union) Jim Radford (Captain, St. Augustine's Golf Club) with Samuel Abbott (West Kent) winner of the Handicap Cup (Richard Young Cup) Jim Radford (Captain, St. Augustine's Golf Club) with Thomas o'Reilly (Sidcup), runner up Joshua Bristow (Etchinghill) with Jim Radford (Captain, St. Augustine's Golf Club)
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