Queen Elizabeth's Grammar
SchoolEnglish Schools’ Team Golf Championships
On Wednesday 6th July, Mason Bassham (Y12), Neve Begley (Y11) and Archie Qualtrough (Y10) represented Lincolnshire (after winning the County Championships) at the English Schools’ Team Golf Championships at Woodhall Spa Golf Club.
The students from QEGS were up against some of the best young golfers in England, some of whom were playing off + digit handicaps! As we were local to the course, Mason, Neve and Archie were in the last three tee times of the day, which were 13:30, 13:40 and 14:00.
All three of them started on the 10th hole, playing the course back to front. With the crowds gathering on the 10th tee, it was a daunting experience for all the golfers. Each player waiting patiently (and probably nervously) until the announcer called their name. All players did extremely well to keep their focus and hit good tee shots; especially Archie who smashed one straight down the middle of fairway to put himself in a great position to attack the green on his second shot.
Once all the tee shots were played, the students collected their bags (and trolley) and scampered down the fairway away from the crowds in search of their golf balls. Now they could concentrate on their own game, without the added pressure of spectators watching their every move.
The format of the tournament was stableford which involves scoring points based on the number of strokes taken at each hole – this is adjusted based on the player’s handicap. Mason was playing off - 10, Neve off - 13 and Archie off – 8.
After nearly 5 hours on the golf course, which is both mentally and physically draining, the students from QEGS had finished their rounds. All attentions now turned to their scores, with the course leader anxiously waiting to see if their impressive score of 42 points had been beaten.
Unfortunately, individually we didn’t threaten the leaders score; Archie managed to score the highest number of points with 32; this put him joint 29th out of a field of 92 golfers. A very creditable final position. As a team, QEGS finished 16th out of 32 schools, on a total of 63 points; this again was a very respectful position.
Mr Cope would like to thank all parents and grandparents for their support and help over the past two days; without them it would’ve not been possible for the students to compete in this impressive event.
English Schools' Team Golf Championships
