South Herts GC: report, results and photos

South Herts provided a test that has challenged the best, as it has hosted Regional Qualifying for The Open on 14 occasions, so the course was not to be taken lightly.

Sebastian Duffield returned to the BJGT from his hugely successful international travels, taking a win and runner-up in two Junior World Championships in the USA, and it was normal service resumed, as he took top spot with a fine round of 39 in the 6 & Under Division, ahead of Freddie Buck and Leo Boniface, who both went round in 44.

The result was tighter in the 7-8 Division, as a single shot separated the Top 3 of an immensely talented group: Oliver McDonnell (41) reversed the result from the day before at Cranleigh G&CC with a single shot victory over the in-form Fraser Mackenzie and fast-improving Zahn Bopiah, who both shot 42 in a dominant week for these three.

Ellis Kerr took the first place trophy in the 9-10 Division, but only after a countback from fellow Gog Magog member, Alexander Mills, as they both carded rounds of 46, finishing three shots in front of Freddie Raven in third.

The 11-12 Division was just as tight, with Theo Morris and Worawat Sirivisal posting matching 79s, but Theo came out on top of the countback to claim the winner’s trophy. Worawat was second and Arun Ayaru third (88).

Luca Randall took a break from the 9-10s to make his first appearance of the season in the Mixed Division and claimed the Net Division win with a fine round of 67, but again a countback was required to separate him from Ali-Abbas Haji, with Ben Searle taking third place two shots back.

Ali-Abbas did go one better in the Gross Division with a round of 81, good enough for the win, ahead of Ben who also moved up one place into second, a single shot behind. Micah Blowers completed the Top 3, edging a three-way tie after he, Mustafa Hassan, and Nihal Shah all posted rounds of 83.

The BJGT now moves to Haverhill GC on August Bank Holiday, for a regular BJGT event.