Seventy-five of Devon’s most promising young golfers gathered at Torquay Golf Club to represent their clubs in the Devon Junior Team Championship, with a place in the England Golf Junior Team Championship Final at stake.
The competition was played in a Stableford format, with teams of three counting their best two scores. Adding an extra layer of intrigue, team members did not play together but were paired with golfers from other clubs, leaving captains, organisers and supporters anxiously awaiting the final score from each team’s third player before the standings could be confirmed.
Hosts Torquay Golf Club once again provided a superb venue for the championship. The course was presented in excellent condition and proved a true test for the county’s young talent. With handicaps ranging from as low as 2 up to the competition limits of 28 for boys and 36 for girls, the event showcased a wide range of ability and some outstanding golf.
Several clubs entered multiple teams, giving Junior Organisers the challenging task of selecting the right players for each side. Their contribution, alongside that of countless volunteers across Devon, continues to play a vital role in the success of junior golf throughout the county. The time and effort devoted to coaching, supporting and transporting young players is clearly paying dividends.
Among those helping to ensure the smooth running of the day were Torquay Golf Club Lady Captain Linda Green and club member Celia Marshall, who were on hand around the course offering support where needed. Club staff also worked tirelessly to make the day a memorable experience for all competitors. DevonGolf’s Pam St Leger served as referee, while Wendy Stanbury fulfilled the role of Competition Manager – both giving their time as volunteers.
As the scores were returned, it initially appeared that Royal North Devon’s all-girls team of Freya Goddard (PH15), Emily Goddard (PH19) and Olivia Ellicott (PH21) had done enough to secure victory. Their impressive best-two score of 74 set the target for the rest of the field. All three players are members of the DevonGolf Junior Girls’ County Team and were the only all-female team competing in the championship.
However, as often happens in golf, one of the final teams to complete their rounds produced a dramatic late challenge. Tiverton’s Ben Smith (PH29), Felix Neale (PH8) and Joseph Ackland (PH11) emerged as champions with a best-two team score of 78, securing the county title and earning the right to represent Devon at the England Golf Junior Team Championship Final at Woodhall Spa in August.
Tiverton’s Ben Smith, Felix Neale & Joseph Ackland
The leading individual performance also came from the winning team, with Ben Smith returning an outstanding 44 Stableford points to make a significant contribution to Tiverton’s success. Isaac Donald of Staddon Heights Golf Club finished just two points behind on 42 points, while nine-year-old James Neale of Woodbury Park Golf Club impressed with an excellent score of 40 points.
The championship once again highlighted the strength of junior golf across Devon and the exciting future of the game within the county.
For all team scores click here
For all individual scores click here
