Junior Matchplay Championship 2021
held at Caerphilly Golf Club July 31st/August 1st
Just like the Junior Championship at Aberdare, 3 weeks earlier, we were able to enjoy sunny, warm and dry weather for a Junior Competition and the Caerphilly golf course was in excellent condition. It proved to be serious test for all golfers with accuracy and not length being the most important factor, which made for some great matches and unexpected results.
A number of top players were unavailable but this did not diminish the competition, as those that took part stepped up their game and proved themselves to be great competitors, with a golf game that is constantly improving. I am sure they will benefit immensely from the experience they gained.
Local member, Archie Gidden, was invited to fill a gap in the draw and he relished the opportunity, playing far better golf than his handicap would suggest, taking James Howell to extra holes. James managed to get through and faced Paul Reid in the quarter final. In the other top half match, Callum Hook beat Jack Reynolds – who had a fine victory against Freddy O’Carroll in round 1.
In the bottom half, Brodi Lewis sunk an Exocet style putt, on 18, to take his match, with Harry Coombs, to extra holes. Harry, who beat William Hipkin in round 1, managed to win the 19th to face Owen Williams in the quarters.
Harry’s brother, George, lost to Rhys English in round 1 but Owen Williams, having beaten William Pontin, proved that he is a consistently improving player by beating Rhys to set up a semi final with Harry.
Sunday morning saw the semi finals take place with Callum Hook playing Paul Reid and Harry Coombes playing Owain Williams. The matches were close encounters and the favourites were made to battle hard. However, 14 year old Owen and 13 year old Paul played excellent and consistent golf, with a sharp short game, to get through.
The final, on paper, looked to be a close game as both players had shone in the previous rounds. The early holes proved this to be so but Owen started to get a grip on the match by the 12th, with Paul not quite getting up and down as often as in previous rounds. Paul had given everything over 2 days and was showing some signs of fatigue. This was not surprising but he battled on and took the match to the 17th where Owen showed his strong temperament by playing the hole perfectly for a match winning birdie 4.
Well done and thank you to all the players for taking part. Thank you to all the parents and families for the transport. Thank you to Caerphilly Golf Club for being excellent hosts, especially President Howard and Dave who made my job very easy indeed.
Mark Evans
Junior Chairman
August 2021
