2024 English Boys County Champions
The Boys qualified at Childwall GC and we had a long drive down to Teignmounth GC in Devon where we were warmly received looked after by the members and staff. The course is set upon high above Teignmouth town and the views along the coast and over to Dartmoor were spectacular.
Our challengers were Cambridgeshire, Gloucestershire and Kent in the final to be played as a round robin over three days. The course was set up well and in excellent condition with the greens at a fast pace. The boys had prepared well under the guidance of Steve Robinson (Robbo) our lead coach. Team Yorkshire spirit was high and worked hard during the day and relaxed during the evening.
The boys had a tough start against Gloucestershire with the match poised at 1.5 – 1.5 after the morning foursomes. The boys knew what was required in the afternoon and managed to pull off a victory against some quality young players of the future to win 5.5 – 3.5. This was a great start against a tough side.
On our second day we were up against Kent, another good side and went into lunch 2 – 1 up after a terrific performance by Tai and Benjy who jelled really well finishing with three matching 3’s, two birdies and a par to win 1Up! The afternoon saw us lose the first two singles, but with terrific wins from our last four we won 6 – 3.
A good night’s rest on Wednesday for boys and off we went against our last team of Cambridgeshire who had surprised many as they are a small county. Again, Tai and Benjy were on fire with six 3’s in the front nine to go 7Up, a lead which could not be caught. Into lunch with a 2 – 1 so all to do in the afternoon to become champions which is exactly what they did winning the 4.5 singles.
Regarding the three days play I will refer you to the England Golf daily reports below:
It’s six years since the Boys were last crowned English County Champions and after contesting the last three finals, they finally achieved our goal and with that I’m so proud of these guys and I know like those who have passed before they will go on to great things.
My thanks must not only go to the Boys, but to Robbo who guided them well throughout the week and was all over the course when needed, and to Frank Greaves who assisted me and the boys for which I am totally grateful.
Congratulations To Team Yorkshire – English Boys County Champions 2024.
Philip Woodcock
