Under 16s Challenge Cup

NORFOLK County Golf Union’s Under-16 squad put up a spirited display in a narrow loss to their Cambridgeshire Area Golf Union counterparts in the Challenge Cup at Hunstanton Golf Club.

The inaugural staging of what is planned to be an annual match between the two counties was held as preparation for the McGregor Trophy – the English Boys Under-16 Open – which will take place at the renowned north Norfolk links in July.

The course proved to be a stern test for both sides with a stiff wind adding to the challenge. Played under a Stableford handicap format, Cambridgeshire secured a slender victory by 30.3 to 28.6, the match being decided on the average handicap points from the top 50 per cent of each side’s scores.

The individual spoils also went to the visitors – again by narrow margins. Sam Marshall (St Neots GC) recorded the best gross tally with 32 points, while Ryan White (Ramsey GC) pipped Theo Pudney (Sheringham GC) on countback in the net competition after both recorded 36 points.

Norfolk County Golf Union’s development officer Sammy Martin said: “Under-16s coach Ryan Pudney and I felt the day was really worthwhile and we’re sure that players from both sides will have benefitted from the experience – and thanks go to our magnificent hosts, Hunstanton Golf Club.  

“From a Norfolk perspective, in particular Sully Goddard played some fine golf in testing conditions and Theo Pudney also produced a good performance. “Ryan and I worked with our Cambridgeshire colleague Mark Howell to set up the match with one eye on the McGregor Trophy. The initiative worked so well that we’re very keen to make it an annual event with Cambridgeshire, giving both counties’ young golfers an excellent opportunity to hone their competitive skills.”