Last week the Faldo Junior Tour headed to Ireland, returning to Mount Juliet in Kilkenny again for another Faldo Series even.
Dylan Keating managed to hold off a strong Junior Tour field, and conquered one of Nicklaus’ trickiest golf course.
The Isle of Purbeck GC was founded in 1892, among its past owners were Dr Darrell-Waters, a consultant of distinction and his wife Enid Blyton, the legendary writer of children’s books. In 1965, after 14 years in charge, Darrell-Waters sold the club to Mr Randolph, who was about to retire from his positions as Chairman and Managing Director of the family firm, The Wilkinson Sword Company.
Over 60 juniors took on the par 72 in mixed conditions throughout the three days of competition. Day one provided blue skies and a steady breeze, and it was Tadgh Burns who started with a solid 3 under par 69 to take the round one lead ahead of Dylan Keating one shot behind.
Day two saw multiple changes to the leaderboard, with Keating and Mark Cadden shooting 2 and 1 under to take lead of their respective age categories.
As the sun shone for the final round, 2nd place was all to play for in the Girls category as Holly Hamilton extended her lead after round 2. Niamh O’grady and Sadbh Bullock both contended for the remaining Europe Grand Final spot. A difference of three shots was enough for O’Grady as she secured the remaining spot in Al Ain, where she will follow on from her sisters appearance last year.
Steady golf proved to be the trick for Mark Cadden in the 16 & Under category, who finished the tournament one shot over with a final score of 217.
Following on from an amazing 5 birdies on the final 9 holes of the tournament, Keating dedicated the performance to his late uncle, ‘I came in a bit on one wheel after my 2nd round so I was really happy to be able to fix those issues in the final round and get the job done’.
Many thanks to Matt Sandercock and the team at Mount Juliet Golf Estate for their great hospitality, and for allowing us the opportunity to join them at their historic venue.
The double header week with Conwy and Mount Juliet was the penultimate opportunity for players to get through to the Europe Grand Final, held at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club, UAE this November.
The next and final stop, Carnoustie, Monifieth and Panmure Golf Club’s as the Faldo Series collaborates with the Robert Rock Junior Tour for the first time in the new ‘Links Challenge’
