Mel Reid says some of her best golfing memories and friendships are from her days as an England international. Picture by TRISTAN JONES

MEL Reid brought her inspirational golfing story to life in a fascinating web chat with the current England squads and coaches.

The 32-year-old LPGA rookie became the latest professional to offer insight and advice through an online Q&A.

Reid came through the England Golf ranks and won back-to-back English Girls Championships in 2004-5.

The two-time winner of the Helen Holm Trophy played in the 2006 Curtis Cup – before turning pro in 2008, after winning the British Ladies Amateur Strokeplay in 2007.

The six-time LET winner from Derbyshire returned to form last year with a third-placed finish at the Women’s PGA Championship in the States.

The former Chevin junior was a vice-captain when Europe’s Solheim Cup team edged the USA in a thrilling match at Gleneagles, in September.

Now based in Florida, Reid is a strong advocate for the women’s game.

And her passion for golf shone through in her frank and honest discussion with an enthralled audience.

Reid said: “I think that it’s important that you leave the game in a better place than you found it.

“Some golfers have foundations or are mentors. I feel that I have a voice and that’s where I can make changes – by being authentically myself.

“It is important to show young girls and guys that the golf game is not old-fashioned.

“I want to show people my story and if that helps people then great.

“My story is a little bit different and it is important for me to fight for things I believe in,” said Reid, who announced she was gay in an interview with a US-based website in December 2018.

“I’m passionate about it and if I am a role model that’s a huge honour.”

Mel Reid was the latest star to speak to members of England Golf’s performance squads during the COVID-19 lockdown. Picture by TRISTAN JONES

‘Strong mindset the key to success’

MEL Reid revealed the importance of having a strong mindset in golf.

She suggested it was the key difference between a player ranked one or 100 on tour.

Mel opened up on her fitness regime which has allowed her to become one of the strongest and most athletic players on tour.

Reid was speaking from her base at the Floridian Club, near Jupiter in Florida.

The 32-year-old also reminisced on her work ethic as a junior which saw her play 45 holes a day.

She spoke of a desire for young players to develop a natural game rather than becoming obsessed with the game’s gadgetry and technology from too early an age.

“I was in the England squads at the age of 13 and involved with GB&I at 15. There are friends from those days who remain my best mates,” revealed Reid.

“Some of the fondest memories I have in golf are from my amateur days and people you met became like family.

“It taught me a great deal travelling round the world as a teenager.

“It’s a really cool experience that I was lucky to have.”

Having taken time to rest and reset during lockdown, Reid is now eager to get back on tour safely with her status on the LPGA,

Mel Reid (left) with Solheim Cup captain Catriona Matthew wants to see more integrated tournaments between the LET and European Tour. Picture by TRISTAN JONES

‘Let the women take on golf’s top stars’

MEL criticised last month’s men-only TaylorMade Golf Driving Challenge on social media – for not including any LPGA stars.

She received plenty of abusive comments on Twitter for calling for women to have been included in the charity event at Florida’s Seminole GC.

It was the first televised golf in the States in more than two months.

Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson raised money for charities and health workers fighting COVID-19 playing against Rickie Fowler and Matt Wolff.

Despite the online attacks on her views, Mel is hopeful that the evolution of golf will see respect for the women’s game grow.

She added: “I’d love to see a mixed team event on the PGA Tour. I also think golf at the Olympics should be mixed.

“It shouldn’t be every golf event. I don’t feel that would be appropriate.

“But it would be awesome to have some mixed events – the guys and girls would love to play each other.

“I see how much higher the mountain is for girls to climb – and I fight for more respect for women athletes across the board.

“Golf is one of the most financially rewarding sports – second to tennis. But we still have a long way to go from a respect point of view.”

Mel has already represented England in the European Tour’s ground-breaking GolfSixes, taking on the men.

But she missed last year’s inaugural Jordan Mixed Open when 41 LET players took on players from the European Challange and Staysure Tours.

• England squads have enjoyed a number of Q&A sessions with stars such as Matt Wallace, Tommy Fleetwood, Matt Fitzpatrick, Bronte Law, Meg Maclaren, Danny Willett and Chris Wood in recent weeks.

Forthcoming sessions are pencilled in with LET rookie Alice Hewson and former World No. 1 Lee Westwood.

https://twitter.com/molly_mcelwee/status/1263814139148984320 Mel Reid’s comments on Twitter about the TaylorMade Driving Challenge caused a stir

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uropean Tour chief executive Keith Pelley revealed no player will lose their Tour card in 2020 when he announced the new playing schedule including a UK Swing of six events

EUROPEAN Tour chief Keith Pelley has guaranteed no players will lose their playing rights as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic wreaking havoc with its international schedule in 2020.

So any player who was inside the top 110 on the Order of Merit at the end of the 2019 season, will keep their cards for 2021, regardless of where they finish on the 2020 Race to Dubai.

As a result, the European Tour Qualifying School will not take place in November – along with the stage one and two qualifiers in September, October and November.

There will also be no automatic promotion from the Challenge Tour – the top 15 on the Race to Mallorca Order of Merit would normally earn their European Tour card for the following season.

The Challenge Tour’s schedule has also been dramatically curtrailed with the first six European-based tournaments between May and July either postponed or cancelled.

But the European Tour chief executive has reassured players they will reward any “exceptional” performances on either the European and Challenge Tours in 2020.

The exact details of any such rewards will be announced by the European Tour Tournament Commitee, said Mr Pelley.

Pelley added: “While the intention remains to crown a new Race to Dubai Champion on December 13, as part of the changes to the end of the 2020 season caused by the impact of COVID-19, the European Tour’s Tournament Committee recently agreed that all members’ 2020 categories, and their ranking within that category, will be retained in 2021 – with related playing rights being protected to the absolute maximum possible in the 2021 season.”

There will also be no minimum number of tournaments that need to be played in 2020 to guarantee membership for next year, he added after a unanimous vote by the powerful Tournament Committee, which includes players’ representatives as well as European Tour officials.

Pelley added: “We recognise that when we resume playing golf, each player’s circumstances will be different.

“We therefore do not want to put anyone in a position whereby they feel they have no choice other than to play in certain events in order to protect their livelihood.

“Similarly, the feeling was that it was not fair to disadvantage any member who might want to play in an event but who might not be able to due to ongoing travel restrictions.

“Therefore, in consultation with our Tournament Committee, it was agreed preserving their exempt status for 2021 was the fairest solution in these unprecedented times.”

EUROPEAN TOUR CREATES NEW ‘UK SWING’ WITH SIX EVENTS

Pelley thanks sponsors for support

THE European Tour chief went out of his way of praising the hosting venues and sponsors of four of its biggest Rolex Series events in helping to create the new UK Swing announced today.

Keith Pelley said: “Since the suspension of our 2020 season in early March, we have taken a measured approach in reassessing our schedule – informed every step of the way by our medical advisers and government guidance.

“We have consistently said that safety is our absolute priority and that is why we are announcing our resumption in two months’ time – supported by a comprehensive health strategy, which has been led by our medical team.

“Without question we have had to think differently about the remainder of our 2020 season which is reflected in today’s announcement.

“As golf’s global tour, diversity is ordinarily one of our biggest strengths. But in this instance it has become one of our biggest challenges.

“Initially, therefore, based on the expert guidance we received, playing in clusters, in one territory, is the best option in terms of testing, travel and accommodation.

“I would therefore like to take this opportunity to thank Betfred, Close House, Marriott, the Forest of Arden, Hanbury Manor, Celtic Manor Resort and The Belfry for sharing our vision for this ‘UK Swing.’

“We look forward to returning to tournament play in July with this innovative stretch of six events.

“As well as getting golf going again for our players, our broadcasters, our stakeholders and our millions of fans around the world, these new events will also enable us to give back during these unprecedented times, building on some of the community support already given by our players over the past few months.

“I also want to pay tribute to Rolex, BMW, Aberdeen Standard Investments, the Scottish Government, Nedbank, Sun International and DP World, for their continued commitment to the European Tour, which allowed us to move four hugely important tournaments into new dates later in the year.

“Not only did they show flexibility, they also showed understanding of the current global situation and we are truly fortunate to have them as partners of the European Tour,” added Keith Pelley.

The European Tour will return to action at Close House, with the Betfred British Masters, from July 22-25. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

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In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, England Golf has today announced a number of key decisions relating to all of our championships and wider golfing activities.

• All championship and performance events have been postponed until 7 June.
• With the health and wellbeing of all golfers, staff and volunteers paramount in our thinking, we have issued a comprehensive guidance document to clubs and golfers on how best to proceed in these unprecedented times
• England Golf’s AGM and national participation events scheduled for the spring have been postponed
• New working practices for staff have been adopted to ensure we remain fully operational and available to assist counties, clubs and golfers in the weeks and months ahead

For full details on all these important announcements please click below:

Championships and Performance

Guidance for Golf Clubs and Golfers

Event Postponements and How to contact England Golf

These remain extremely difficult and unprecedented times for the game of golf as well as the country in general.

England Golf remains committed to helping our golfing community adapt to the necessary changes and for golfers to continue to play the game in a safe environment and according to government and public health guidelines.

The pace of change and the constant updating of government and medical advice means that a continual process of re-assessment of decisions and guidelines must be undertaken.

England Golf will continue to communicate any changes through our website, social platforms and via direct correspondence to our affiliated counties, clubs and golfers.

It is vital that everyone continues to follow best practice when it comes to dealing with the current outbreak of coronavirus.

For expert medical advice please refer to the following websites:

World Health Organisation: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Public Health England: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/public-health-england

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England Golf Statement Regarding Coronavirus

England Golf  – in light of the developing situation with the COVID-19 outbreak – has today issued the following guidance to all our affiliated golf clubs and golfers.

We fully recognise the need to adhere to the expert advice available and as such we would point all our clubs in the direction of the guidelines set out in detail by Public Health England via their website.

Details on how best to cope with the virus can also be found via the World Health Organisation website which will provide rolling updates and the best ways to mitigate against the spread of the infection.

NHS England also provide updated and expert advice via their website.

All golf clubs should note, act upon and continually monitor the advice and guidance issued by these expert authorities in relation to the current coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

It is important that we all work together, following the advice of qualified professionals, in controlling the spread of COVID-19.

This remains a very fluid situation and England Golf will continue to take their lead from the government and public health authorities when it comes to safeguarding our clubs and members and offering practical and necessary steps to ensure the health and wellbeing of golfers and golf club staff.

England Golf chief executive Jeremy Tomlinson said: “The expert practical advice that is available from the health authorities and national government should remain the first point of reference for all our golf clubs and golfers.

“This is clearly a fluid and developing situation and we will continue to monitor events as they progress and pass on the relevant information to our stakeholders.

“By working in alignment with those who are specialists in this field, we will be able to take the necessary precautions and provide the correct measures to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak.”

Where do you want to go next?

• Scottish Golf statement
• Wales Golf statement
• Golfing Union of Ireland statement

More information

• NHS website
• Public Health Service

GOLF UNIONS

Bedfordshire County Golf Union

Berks, Bucks & Oxon Golf

Cambridgeshire Area Golf Union

Cheshire Union of Golf Clubs

Cornwall Golf Union

Cumbria Union of Golf Clubs

Dorset County Golf Union

Durham County Golf Union

Essex Golf Union

Gloucestershire Golf Union

Hampshire Golf

Hertfordshire Golf

Kent Golf Union

Lancashire Union of Golf Clubs

Leicestershire & Rutland Golf Union

Lincolnshire Union of Golf Clubs

Norfolk County Golf Union

Northumberland Union of Golf Clubs

Nottinghamshire Union of Golf Clubs

Shropshire & Herefordshire Union of Golf Clubs

Somerset Golf Union

Staffordshire Union of Golf Clubs

Suffolk Golf Union

Surrey Golf

Sussex County Golf Union

Warwickshire Golf Union

Worcestershire Union of Golf Clubs

Yorkshire Union of Golf Clubs

Derbyshire County Golf

Devon Golf

Isle of Man Golf

Middlesex Golf

Northamptonshire Golf

Wiltshire Golf

Bedfordshire Ladies’ County Golf Association

Berkshire County Ladies’ Golf Association

Bucks County Ladies’ Golf Association

Cambs and Hunts Ladies’ County Golf Association

Cheshire County Ladies’ Golf Association

Cornwall Ladies’ County Golf Association

Cumbria Ladies County Golf Association

Dorset Ladies’ County Golf Association

Durham County Ladies’ Golf Association

Essex Ladies’ County Association

Gloucestershire Ladies’ County Golf Association

Hampshire Ladies’ County Golf Association

Kent County Ladies’ Golf Association

Lancashire Ladies’ County Golf Association

Leicestershire and Rutland Ladies’ County Golf Association

Lincolnshire Women’s Golf Association

Norfolk Ladies’ County Golf Association

Northumberland Ladies’ County Association

Nottinghamshire County Ladies’ Golf Association

Oxfordshire Ladies’ County Golf Association

Shropshire Ladies’ County Golf Association

Somerset Ladies’ County Golf Association

Staffordshire Ladies’ County Golf Association

Suffolk Ladies’ County Golf Association

Surrey Ladies’ Golf

Sussex County Ladies’ Golf Association

Warwickshire Ladies County Golf Association

Worcestershire & Herefordshire Ladies’ County Golf Association

Yorkshire Ladies’ County Golf Association

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Justin Rose (right) wants to put something back into the game by sponsoring the Telegraph Junior Championship. Picture by ANDREW GRIFFIN / AMG PICTURES

HAMPSHIRE’S Justin Rose has lent his name to the competition that helped him on his way to stardom – The Telegraph Junior Championship.

And record-breaker Ben Schmidt is earning similar plaudits that followed the North Hants GC junior in the mid 1990s.

The Yorkshire teenager, who broke two big records earlier this summer by becoming the youngest player to land the English Strokeplay double, is the hot favourite for the Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Championship, which gets under way at Portugal’s Quinta de Lago, today (Wednesday).

Olympic Champion Rose won the Hampshire Hog at his home club as a 14 year old, in 1995 before adding the McGregor and Carris Trophies at the English U16 and U18 Strokeplay Championships – a feat not matched since.

But Schmidt not only became the youngest-ever winner of the Brabazon Trophy at just 16 when he won the English Amateur Strokeplay at Alwoodley GC, in May, he then added the Carris a few weeks later at the English Boys Amateur Strokeplay’s spiritual home at Hertfordshire’s Moor Park.

In both instances, Schmidt broke records held since 1974 by Sandy Lyle, who won both the Brabazon and Carris as a 17-year-old.

Rotherham GC’s Ben Schmidt won the Brabazon, Carris and Sir Henry Cooper Masters in 2019

Having been named as a reserve for the Walker Cup, which Great Britain and Ireland lost to the USA at Royal Liverpool in September, Schmidt’s chance to break Fisher’s record has gone for good.

Now 17, the Rotherham GC member has been tipped for the top by Green Jacket winner Danny Willett, who hails from the same club.

Willett said of Schmidt, who also won Kent’s top Sir Henry Cooper Junior Masters event at Nizels, in June, said: “This kid is destined for the big time.”

Willett’s caddy Samy Haywood was bemused by the R&A’s decision to not pick Schmidt in August, while another 16-year-old – Stoke Park’s Conor Gough – got the nod after winning the English Amateur at Hankley Common, the week before the team was picked.

Rose came through the same Hampshire junior programme that produced its first two Amateur Champions for the county in Harry Ellis and Scott Gregory in 2016 and 2017, and both players have looked up to Rose and his win at the 2013 US Open for inspiration.

Justin believes winning the Telegraph in 1997 put him firmly on the path to success in the professional game.

It was his first victory overseas and followed having become the youngest-ever Walker Cup player after his 17^th birthday that summer.

Justin Rose (right) won the Daily Telegraph Junior Championship in 1997

Rose revealed: “When I won this tournament it acted as springboard to me realising my dreams.

“This is an unofficial major in junior golf and you can see that by the quality of those who have previously won.

“In front of the TV cameras, this is their chance to put their marker down. People will take notice.”

Schmidt, who started the year some 5,000 places below his current World Amateur Golf Ranking of No. 8, has had some time to reflect on his success in 2019.

“It’s been crazy looking back on it, and, if I’m being honest, the amount of success I enjoyed this year has been unexpected.

“It all just clicked over the summer and everything changed for me in a matter of weeks.

“I just got on a roll. I came out of winter training and made a decent start to the season, despite not having played competitively for a few months.

“I won the Yorkshire Boys in May, which was a real boost and it progressed from there.

“Once I won that first event, I started every tournament thinking only about the win. I just had so much confidence,” added Schmidt, who is favourite to follow Rose by winning the Telegraph Junior Championship title this week.

Rose, who now lives in the Bahamas, knows that feeling after his first golden season in 1995 which saw him win two national championships as well as the famous Hampshire Hog.

Rose said: “This is a nod to where I’ve come from. I have done lots of charitable work in the US.

“But this is my first way of trying to give back to golf in the UK – and its really important to me.

“The championship is 35 years old and – as well as me – there have been some other winners who have gone on to big things.”

Those past champions include Sheffield Ryder Cup player Matt Fitzpatrick and Essex’s Oliver Fisher – who broke Rose’s record as the youngest Walker Cup player in 2005, in Chicago.

Ryder Cup star Tommy Fleetwood finished second when he reached the Daily Telegraph finals.

In the women’s game, Ladies European Tour winner Carly Booth, Solheim Cup winner Jodi Ewart-Shadoff and former England Girls Champion Melissa Reid, who has played in three Solheim Cups, are past winners of the Daily Telegraph Girls’ Championship,

Yorkshire’s Rebecca Hudson, who dominated English amateur golf in the 1990s and early 2000s, claimed the trophy three times in four years.

Rose, who announced his sponsorship of the event back in March added: “The quality of those champions shows it is run incredibly well, and I wanted to get behind a well-oiled machine.

“But I would still love to help to grow it. We’ve added some players and some spots to the field this year, and my aim is to see different categories going forward – and to broaden its reach.”

Other names to watch this week in the Algarve are Worcestershire’s 2018 Reid Trophy winner Hugh Adams, from Hagley GC, and Bishop’s Stortford’s Max Hopkins, the Telegraph Champion in 2017.

The increase to 12 finalist spots for 2019 is not the only first – Somerset sisters Mimi and Patience Rhodes, who are members at Burnham and Berrow, will become the first siblings to play in the final – of either sex.

They will be watched by grandmother Susan, who has been recovering from cancer treatment, but was well enough to see them play for Europe in the Ping Junior Solheim Cup, at Gleneagles, in September.

England junior international Mimi was fifth in qualifying at the Women’s Amateur, at Royal County Down, in June, and third in qualifying for the Girls Amateur Championship at Panmure, in August.

Rhodes sisters, Banday and Scanlon all write history in girls’ event

THE increase to 12 finalist spots for 2019 is not the only first – Somerset sisters Mimi and Patience Rhodes, who are members at Burnham and Berrow, will become the first siblings to play in the final – of either sex.

They will be watched by grandmother Susan, who has been recovering from cancer treatment, but was well enough to see them play for Europe in the Ping Junior Solheim Cup, at Gleneagles, in September.

England junior international Mimi was fifth in qualifying at the Women’s Amateur, at Royal County Down, in June, and third in qualifying for the Girls Amateur Championship at Panmure, in August

Surrey’s Rafiah Banday is sure to attract the Sky TV cameras over three rounds on Quinta do Lago’s North Course, as the Wembley-raised teenager, who is a member at Royal Mid-Surrey, will play in a hijab, confirming the growing diversity of golf in the UK.

Huddersfield’s Charlotte Heath won the Sir Henry Cooper Junior Masters in 2018

England junior internationals Charlotte Heath, Rosie Belsham and Banday will have their eyes firmly on the prize this week, while Welsh international Darcey Harry will have similar ideas.

But it is The Buckinghamshire’s Roisin Scanlon, who makes history after becoming the youngest finalist in the Telegraph’s history at the age of just 12.

Scanlon has a reputation for enjoying competing against the older girls at county events and junior opens despite not even being a teenager.

All the players have come through a number of qualifying events across the country this summer, with the lowest 12 scores against par booking their seats on the plane to Portugal.

Finalists: BOYS – Ben Schmidt (Rotherham), Hugh Adams (Hagley), Aaron Marshall (Lisburn), Rhys Wallace (Handsworth), Cameron Adam (Royal Burgess), Miles Gray (Etching Hill), Jack Kelso (Kings Hill), Craig Passmore (Torquay), Henry Hayward (Kedleston Park), Oscar Fuentes (Bearwood Lakes), Calvin Holmes (Quinta do Lago).

GIRLS – Charlotte Heath (Huddersfield), Rosie Belsham (Whitley Bay), Rafia Banday (Royal Mid-Surrey) Evanna Hyde (Lundin Links), Carmen Hall (Aboyne), Darcey Harry (Vale Resort), Chloe Haesler (Broadstone), Lily Hirst (Woodsome Hall), Roisin Scanlon (The Buckinghamshire), Grace Rigby-Walden (Gerrards Cross).

Last year’s Telegraph Junior Championship winners Barclay Brown (Hallamshire GC) and Enville’s Sophie Johnson. Picture courtesy of DAILY TELEGRAPH

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Sweden’s 43-year-old European Tour winner claimed the PGA EuroPro Tour Championship with a play-off win over Essex’s James Allan, at Desert Springs GC, in Spain.

SWEDEN’S former European Tour Mikael Lundberg beat Essex’s James Allen in a play-off to claim the 2019 PGA EuroPro Tour Championships 2019 at Desert Springs.

Lundberg had to survive three holes of sudden-death before he could clinch the season-ending tournament – and the Order of Merit title – thanks to his second EuroPro win of the season.

It has been a long road back for the 46-year-old playing in his first season on the feeder Tour, since losing his playing privileges at the top level back in 2016.

Lundberg, who won three times on the European Tour between 1999 and 2014 said: “This is just amazing. It’s something you dream of.

“It’s not something you can really predict. You are hoping for it and it’s at the back of your mind. But the guys are too good.

“Once you get to this level you realise they’re pretty good.”

“But someone has to win it and when I pulled it off and when I play my game at my best I can still compete against them.”

Allan, from Chelmsford Golf Club, showed resilience throughout after going into the day leading.

Allan, who won the Abu Dhabi Open on the MENA Tour in October, knew he had to birdie 17 and 18 to force a playoff.

But that was exactly what the 25-year-old, who is coached by Robert Rock Academy’s Benn Barham, achieved.

Allan and Lundberg went toe-to-toe twice down the 18^th but could not be separated with the pair making bogeys and then pars.

At the third time of asking Lundberg found the greenside bunker, but played an exquisite shot to within a couple of feet.

Allan missed his par putt opening the door for Lundberg to seal the win and a cheque for £22,540, leaving Allan with the consolation of the £11.270 cheque for second.

It was a stellar week for Lundberg who broke par 18 times over the course of the week and he felt the wind suited his game.

“I have a slightly lower ball flight,” added Lundberg, who won the Russian Open twice in 2005 and 2008, now has a card for the European Challenge Tour in 2020, having won three times at that level as well.

“I’ve always been very good in wind,” revealed Lundberg, who has won €2.8million in prize money in his European Tour career over 20 years, playing in 337 events.

“It’s not about hitting the best shots and not making mistakes where I am better instead of pulling off some fancy shots,” said the Swede.

“I love the wind. I always hope it’s going to be up as much as possible,” added Mikael, who won the EuroPro’s World Snooker Championship tournament at Newbury’s Donnington Grove, back in June.

“Last year I had really big problems with my motivation but this year it came back – and it helps, of course, winning the third event.

“I’ve enjoyed playing golf again and on this tour.”

Lundberg, who is attached to Lumine Golf Club, which will host the final stage of the European Tour Qualifying School next month, will now head to stage two – also being held in Spain – next week, with a chance to regain his full card.

The Swede signed for rounds of 64, 73 and 69 to force a play-off after leading on the opening day thanks to a sparkling eight-under par 64.

On a day where the lead swung, Allan seized an early advantage through nine holes before being pegged back midway through the afternoon after getting in trouble on the 11th.

Meanwhile, Lundberg was level through the front nine before picking up vital birdies on 15 and 16 to drag out a two-shot lead over Allan who was playing in a group back.

Elsewhere, Falkirk GC’s Ryan Campbell had a stellar final day to tie for third after signing for a five-under par 67 after posting rounds of 75 and 66.

Hillside’s Former England U16 international Oliver Clarke finished alongside him as the 2016 Darwin Salver winner posted 72, 65 and 71 for his best finish of the season.

Mearns Castle’s Conor O’Neil was fifth on seven-under with Harrogate’s former European Tour winner John Parry, Kedleston’s former England international Bradley Moore and Kingsbarn Pro Academy’s Daniel were all tied for sixth.

PGA EuroPro Tour Order of Merit graduates (left to right): Mikael Lundberg, Alfie Plant, Marco Penge and Richard Mansell, who all earn cards for the European Challenge Tour

THE four other Challenge Tour cards will go to Staffordshire’s Richard Mansell, Goodwood’s Marco Penge, former European Amateur Champion Alfie Plant and Todd Clements, winner of the English Amateur Championship in 2017.

All four will be joining Lundberg in Spain at the ETQS stage two – should they win a full card on the Challenge Tour at the final stage at Lumine, it will open the door for the players who finished just outside the top five on the EuroPro Order of Merit.

Campbell secured the Cobra Puma Order of Merit in association with Modest Golf! which earns him five Challenge Tour starts next season. 

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The England Schools team that drew the Boys’ game 9-9 against Scotland at Irvine GC, while the Girls managed a 51/2-31/2 victory to bring down the curtain on the 2019 season.

THE curtain has come down on the English Schools’ Golf Association’s season, which has been hailed a “roaring success” after two 14-year-olds were crowned as U19 national champions.

Dorset’s Louise Burke and Yorkshire’s Josh Berry captained their country in the international matches against Scotland and Wales after their victory in the 42^nd English Schools Championship at Nottinghamshire’s Sherwood Forest, in July.

And after victory over the Welsh, it took a late fight back from the hosts north of the border to peg England back to a draw against Scotland in the boys’ matches, while the girls beat the Auld Enemy 51/2-31/2.

The two EGSA games against Scotland and Wales always brings an edge to proceedings with national pride at stake.

The match against Wales was played at Luffenham Heath GC in August and saw England win 111/2-61/2.

After travelling north to face Scotland on the links at Irvine GC, the match proved to be a real nail-biter.

England’s form was excellent and it looked as if they were well on their way to victory, before the Scots fought back to win the final three points available and secure a 9-9 draw.

Steve Akrill, secretary of the ESGA, said: “Scotland had five players who were in their national set-up for the Home Internationals.

“England’s team spirit for that match really shone through with the girls finishing their games and heading straight back out onto the course to lend their support to the boys.

“When the girls faced Wales they were definitely underdogs.

“Our average handicap was three compared to Wales’ one, but the girls performed superbly with three wins in the singles helping the combined team to get over the line.

“It’s been a really positive year with lots of good golf being played and the enthusiasm of the youngsters shining through.”

•To see the full scores from Irvine GC, click here.

Dorset’s Louise Burke and Yorkshire’s Josh Berry after their wins in the 42nd English Schools Championship at Sherwood Forest, in Nottinghamshire.

Berry also represented the full England team in the U16 Home Internationals.

Doncaster’s Campsmount Academy pupil has also been named in the England Golf Boys’ squad for the 2020 season.

The Under 16s England Schools Championship was staged at West Yorkshire’s Cleckheaton and District GC, with Rachel Gourley and Finn Nelson claiming the honours from a field of 65 players.

Rachel earned a call-up to the England Golf set-up. She will be part of the girls’ team – along with Louise Burke – for a challenge match against Ireland at Hunstanton GC, on October 12-13.

Three venues for next year’s events have already been decided with the national championship taking place at Gog Magog GC, in Cambridgeshire, the U16 event going to Northamptonshire County GC and the away game against Wales set for the Rolls of Monmouth GC.

“It’s been a great season for both the boys and the girls and the events at regional and national level have shown we have a lot of strength in depth,” Akrill added.

“In particular we had a lot of younger players emerging and more than holding their own against older players in their age bracket. That’s always great to see.

“The events at regional and national level have shown we have a lot of strength in depth,” admitted Akrill.

“In particular we had a lot of younger players emerging and more than holding their own against older players in their age bracket. That’s always great to see.”

Northumberland’s Rachel Gourley and Nottinghamshire’s Finn Nelson claimed the English U16s titles at Cleckheaton and District GC, in West Yorkshire

•The English Schools’ team event was staged at the National Golf Centre HQ, at Woodhall Spa, in Lincolnshire. England Golf is a committed supporter of the ESGA.

Hartlepool’s Dyke House Academy trio of Jack Burton, Louis Westmoreland and William Skipp – who are coached by European Tour winner Graeme Storm won by three points in the Stableford competition beating 33 teams from 25 other counties.

ENGLAND v Scotland
Louise Burke (capt) – Lytchett Minster, Dorset
Rachel Gourley – Cramlington Learning Village, Northumberland
Estelle Ingram – Gordon’s School, Surrey
Zara Naughton – Ponteland Middle, Northumberland
Amelia Wan – Tuxford Academy, Nottinghamshire
Ellen Yates – Woking High, Surrey
Josh Berry – Campsmount Doncaster, Yorkshire
Nathan Ali – Prince Henry’s Grammar, Yorkshire
Josh Ashton – Tupton High, Derbyshire
Oliver Caton – Honley High, Yorkshire
Taylor Crisp – Suffolk New, Suffolk
Harry Crockett – Oxted, Surrey
Duran Gun – Thornhill, High Durham
Daniel Heaslip – Ripley Mill Hill, Derbyshire
Ben Loveard – Cardinal Newan, Bedfordshire
Jack Maxey – Holderness Academy, Yorkshire
Craig Passmore – SGS College, Avon
Sam Potter – Trent College, Derbyshire

ENGLAND v Wales
Ellie Farwell (capt) – St Clement Danes, Hertfordshire
Rachel Gourley – Cramlington Learning Village, Northumberland
Sarah Mardani – Gordon’s School, Surrey
Abigail Taylor – Prince Henry’s Grammar, Yorkshire
Josh Berry (capt) – Campsmount, Yorkshire
Jake Ball – Queen Elizabeth’s GS, Lincolnshire
George Fricker – Farlingaye, Suffolk
Alex Heppell – Haydon Bridge High, Northumberland
Finn Nelson – Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Ben Partridge – St Andrew’s RC, Surrey
Reis Suart – Monk’s Walk, Hertfordshire
Jack Whaley Ridgewood Yorkshire

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Surrey’s Ben Partridge, from Epsom GC, claimed the English Boys’ County Champion of Champions at Frilford Heath. Picture by LEADERBOARD PHOTOGRAPHY

SURREY’S Ben Partridge withstood a late charge from Devon’s Matt Millar to win the English Boys’ County Champion of Champions played over the Red course at Oxfordshire’s Frilford Heath.

Partridge, a member at Epsom GC, held a two-shot lead after an opening three-under par 69.

But the teenager was in danger of being caught by Millar’s closing six-under 66 – before carding birdies on the 16th and 17th to claim a narrow one-shot victory after posting five-under.

The Surrey Junior Champion became the first player from Surrey to clinch the title since 2011 when Greg Payne tied for first place with Yorkshire’s Matt Fitzpatrick, Rutland’s Jewatt Parmer and Hampshire’s Jack Singh Brar, at Woodhall Spa.

Partridge also succeeds Rotherham’s Ben Schmidt as champion – the Yorkshire teenager became the youngest of the four players to have ever won the Brabazon and Carris Trophies in the same season back in July, earning him a call up as reserve for last weekend’s Walker Cup match against the USA at Hoylake.

Schmidt played for the winning English team at the Men’s Home Internationals at Lahinch, before flying to Frilford from Ireland on Friday night.

And like Schmidt 12 months ago, Patritidge will now receive an exemption into the 2020 Brabazon Trophy.

Millar, from Dainton Park GC, had been five shots off the pace after an opening 74.

But the West Country boy jumped six places up the leaderboard with a 66 which included a four-under inward half of 32.

His four-under total was enough to see him finish one shot ahead of Suffolk’s George Fricker (Woodbridge GC) and two in front of Derbyshire’s Sam Potter (Marriott Breadsall Priory GC) and Notinghamshire’s Samuel Allen (Hollinwell) who all closed with 71s.

Norfolk’s Ben Willis, from Swaffham GC, also fired a last round 71 to share sixth place with Cheshire’s Jake Hibbert (Delamere Forest GC) on 147.

The competition was set up in 2009 – the men’s equivalent has been running since 1962.

•For full scores click here.

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JOSEPH Linel became the fourth Frenchman to lift the Reid Trophy denying Worcestershire’s Hugh Adams chance to become the first player to win the English Boys’ Under 14 Open Strokeplay Championship, back to back in its 25-year history.

The big-hitting 13-year-old, from Biarritz, posted a six-under par 54-hole aggregate of six-under despite a closing two-over par 74 at Stoke-on-Trent’s Trentham Golf Club.

Linel was made to fight all the way by Adams, from Hagley Golf Club, who closed with a four-under par 68 to get within three shots of catching the tall Frenchman.

It also proved to be a good final day for Harry Malin, from Bognor Regis, who fired four birdies over his last nine holes to card a 70 and finish tied for third place alongside Doncaster’s Joshua Berry on two-under.

Essex’s Harley Smith, from the Rayleigh Golf Club, performed well in both the McGregor Trophy and Carris Trophy in what is his first season playing in national junior events.

And Smith did it again by finishing with a 68 to share fifth place with Huddersfield’s Dylan Shaw-Radford on level-par.

Italy’s Lorenzo Lombardozzi also shot a 68 to finish in a share of seventh place alongside compatriot Luca Memeo and Prestbury’s Frank Kennedy two shots further behind.

Linel started the final day with a five-shot lead after opening rounds of 66 and 70, but bogeyed the first hole on his way to carding his highest score of the championship.

“I didn’t play as well today but my chipping was good which helped me,” Linel said. “I’m very happy. This is the biggest tournament I have ever won.”

The previous French winners of the Reid Trophy were Stanislas Gautier (2007) Antoine Kuoch (2013) and Alexandre Lasalarie (2015).

Past winners also include Friford Heath’s Eddie Pepperell, Toby Tree, Bradley Moore, Oscar Sharpe and Kent’s Jonathan Bell.

Final scores can be found here.

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Stoke Park’s Conor Gough won the McGregor Tophy at the 2018 English Boys U16 Amateur Open Championship, beating off Rotherham’s Ben Schmidt, who bcame the the first 16 year-old to win the Brabazon Trophy at the English Men’s Amateur Strokeplay, in May.
Picture by LEADERBOARD PHOTOGRAPHY

KNOWN as The McGregor Trophy, the England Golf junior championship returns to its spiritual home at Radcliffe-on-Trent, in Nottinghamshire, next week.

So any spectators who attend over the three days from July 16-18 can expect to see players who will graduate to the European Tour – and most likely prove to be winners in waiting.

The likes of Jim Payne – one of only two players to have successfully defended the McGregor in 37 years – Steve Webster, Graeme Storm, Oliver Fisher and Paul Waring, who won the Nordea Masters in Sweden last summer, adorn the honours board at the club, which created the first national Under 16 event, and was adopted by the English Golf Union in 1993.

Two years later Rose, a member at North Hants, would claim The McGregor at Radcliffe-on-Trent – just days before the future US Open winner would become the only player to land the U16 and U18 titles in the same season by winning The Carris at Burnham & Berrow.

JUSTIN ROSE PLAYING IN THE 1993 McGREGOR TROPHY

As well as attracting the best young players from England many of the Continent’s top teenage talents head for these shores in July to test themselves in The McGregor, including the younger Molinari brother, who won in 1996.

Dutch golf had high hopes for Wouter de Vries when he won the trophy at Rotheram in 2003, while the likes of Middlesborough’s Michael Skelton, Ealing’s Yasin Ali and Combe Wood’s James Heath, all became leading English junior and men’s internationals after claiming the English U16 crown.

In more recent times, Goodwood’s Marco Penge claimed the title at Seacroft in the North East, in 2015, while Denmark’s Rasmus Hjogaard has graduated to the European Challenge Tour – along with his twin brother Nicolai – just three years after Rasmus’ win at Royal Ashdown Forest.

Denmark’s John Axelson won The McGregor in 2014 – one of seven of the 37 champions to come from Continental Europe

Denmark’s John Axelson who won in 2014 – the last time Radcliffe-on-Trent hosted The McGregor – was runner-up in the medal honours after the 36-hole strokeplay qualifier at The Amateur Championship, at Portmarnock, last month.

Last year’s champion – Stoke Park’s Conor Gough, who won at Kedleston Park, in Derbyshire – went on to become the 2018 Boys’ Amateur Champion, while runner-up Ben Schmidt, from Rotherham GC, became the youngest-ever Brabazon Trophy winner in 70 years, in May.

This year’s championship will feature players from 16 countries. Among those aiming to keep the trophy in English hands is Hagley’s Hugh Adams, from Worcestershire, who won the English U14s Reid Trophy last year.

Adams showed his strong nerves then, coming through a four-hole play-off to take the title at Reading GC.

Others likely to be in the mix are Dubai-based Josh Hill, who was in England’s winning team at the 2018 Boys’ Home Internationals and the U16 internationals Josh Berry, from Doncaster GC, Stoke Park’s Tom Gregory, and Welwyn Garden City’s Reis Suart – plus Royal Liverpool’s Matthew Dodd-Berry, who won the Midland U16 Championship earlier this year.

Among the international challengers will be players from the other home countries and many European nations, with Spain and Italy both sending large squads.

The championship returns every five years to Radcliffe-on-Trent, where it began in 1982, and was played for the first 17 years.

The McGregor Trophy is played over 72 holes. The full field plays 18 holes on each of the first two days with the leading 40 and ties qualifying for the final 36 holes on the last day.

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