This week the Faldo Junior Tour headed to the northeast to play at Dunstanburgh Castle. Designed by Open Championship winner and renowned course architect James Braid, Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Course offers a true test of links golf. Sitting in the shadow of the 14th century Dunstanburgh Castle, the course wraps around the magnificent Embleton Bay, recently voted the best stretch of coastline in Britain.
With what looked to be a difficult forecast of weather for the week, the players teed it up in anticipation of the rain and wind ahead of their links competition. Fortunately, the rain held off for Royal Lytham & St Annes Noah Cambridge who scored one under on his front 9 and one over on the back for a level par 70 to take the overall lead. Jorja Newbold held the lead for the Girls with a 4 over 77 whilst Thomas Miller led the way for the 16 & Under Boys with a two over 72.
Day 2 saw Royal Liverpool’s Charlie Ward march up the 16 & Under leaderboard with an impressive level par 70 in tricky conditions including 4 birdies on the day. Cambridge’s lead was under threat as Callum Moncur closed the gap to one shot, meaning it was all to play for on the final day.
Newbold kept up her form and sealed the win in the Girl’s division with a 12-shot margin. The Boys 16 & Under division ended with a playoff between Ward and Retford’s Owen Rafferty. Both boys ended on +13 across the three days, and so headed to the 1st tee to decide who would take the spot for the Grand Final at Al Ain. After just one hole, Owen’s par was enough to secure victory over Ward’s bogey and the winner was decided.
It was Cambridge who shined brightest in the week however, with a wire-to-wire victory and three very solid rounds of golf consisting of 70,72 and 70 for a two over total.
Many thanks to the Stuart Imeson and the staff members at Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Course who were incredibly helpful and attentive throughout the week. Also, a big thank you to the volunteers and members who made sure the fairway crossings were managed during the week.
The next stop on the Junior Tour is down to the South Coast at the Isle of Purbeck Golf Club.
