Young honoured to win Sussex club's Claret Jug

A total of 98 men played for the RNLI and SCGU Claret Jug at Crowborough Golf Club.

In hot conditions the scores were high, however, with a magnificent score of nett 58 the winner was 16-year-old junior vice-captain Will Young

Paul Gilkes thought he was in with a shout with a formidable nett 60 only to be beaten by two shots. Simon Barnett just pipped Matthew Cawsey into third with nett 66.

Will said: “It was one of those days when everything fell into place and I kept calm rather than blowing a gasket which I have been prone to do in the past.

“My normal wildness occasionally kicked in off the tee but I managed to keep a lid on my emotions and manage my game, definitely something to learn from.

“This was especially true on the 18th where I did feel a little pressure and my second shot finished behind the practice net; however I stayed calm and played a nice gap wedge on to the green.

“It’s an honour to win a medal and such a prestigious competition at this great club. I’d like to thank my playing partners Alan Burdon and Dion Austin for their superb encouragement throughout the round.”

Crowborough’s Medal Winners Cup attracted 32 ladies. Winner with nett 70 was Karen Spicer. Three ladies – Sandra Snowling, Sharon Taylor and Irene Toyne were behind her on nett 71, but Sandra took second place with Sharon third.

Karen said: “I had a good front nine highlighted by a birdie on the third. Luckily the putts dropped.

“It’s hard to keep a good round going but my playing partners Ruby and Dorothy kept me focused.”

For the ladies’ De La Warr Cup, a Stableford, 49 entered. Winner with 39 points was Beverley Drew. Helen Lawrence and Pat Donald scored 37 but Helen beat Pat on countback.

Beverley said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to have won this trophy.

“I’ve been with the club for two years nd have played with many of the ladies, most of whom have been extremely patient and encouraging towards someone who joined the club as an almost

beginner of everything golf related.

“My husband David has given me many, many instructions on how to play.

“One that sticks in mind most is how to recover from some seriously bad lies as it’s quite easy to end up in the heather at Crowborough.

“I hope I can continue to play a better game and my handicap will at last start to come down the more I play in competitions.

“I started the game feeling a little nervous but this was dispersed by the time I got to the third mainly thanks to my lovely playing partners Terry Conby and Mary Legon.”

In the Burt Brill Trophy, 97 men competed.

It was a hot day and the top four men tied on nett 68.

Winning on countback and taking the trophy was Terry Harman. Mark Patten took second with Trevor Harman third.

Other results: Wednesday AC Stableford - 1 Peter F Adams (42pts), 2 Robert Legon (41), 3 Bruce Parsons (41). Friday Men’s Stableford - 1 Goran Lundin (34pts), 2 David Mote (30pts), 3 Neil Pennell (29pts). Monday Men’s Stableford - 1 Peter Lawrence (43pts), 2 Teddy Hedderman (42pts), 3 Andrew Whiteley (42pts). Wednesday AC Stableford - 1 Rob Mulligan (44pts), 2 John Hughes (41pts), 3 Mary Legon (40pts).