BASIL STEER FINAL - TORQUAY GOLF CLUB

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BASIL STEER FINAL - TORQUAY GOLF CLUB

The DCJGS Inter-Club Matchplay for the Basil Steer Trophy is a tough competition for juniors as a match is 3 singles Matchplay games. Juniors are not allowed caddies or any assistance, even from their Junior Organisers, so it can be intimidating for the young and inexperienced, but 17 clubs entered the 2025 competition which has been running since 1983.

To reach the final Tiverton Golf Club's team of Freddie Elgin (+2.6), George Hann (8.4) and Louis Andrews (20.2) played 4 rounds, beating Axminster, Honiton, Churston and Great Torrington. Boringdon Park fielded Henry Stevenson (17.3), George Jackson (21.5) and Harrison Grainger (23.4), winning their rounds against Thurlestone, East Devon and Woodbury Park to reach the final.

Torquay Golf Club hosted the competition and it was a little of the David & Goliath as Tiverton's Goliath Freddie took on Boringdon Park's David in Henry. Having to give a 20 shots didn't phase Freddie but he had to work hard to bring home the first win 3-2. Next up for Tiverton was George Hann playing George Jackson. There were still 14 shots for Tiverton to give and George Hann had to work hard to bring home the second win 2-1. The match was over and Tiverton had won the Basil Steer Trophy. However, game 3 between Louis Andrews and Harrison Grainger was still ongoing and was much more evenly matched handicap-wise with Louis giving just 4 shots. Whilst Louis brought home the third win 2-1, 9-year old Harrison can feel very proud of himself. Just think, there's another 9 years that this lad can be playing in junior events - reaching a county final at such a young age is pretty special.

But the honours go to Tiverton Golf Club's Freddie, George and Louis who conducted themselves so well, on and off the course. Congratulations!

L-R: Harrison Grainger, George Jackson, Henry Stevenson - Boringdon Park
The Winning Team - Rhys Floyde (Team Captain), Freddie Elgin, George Hann, Louis Andrews - Tiverton

It should be said that the input from club's Junior Organisers and parental support is crucial in the development of junior golf. The time JO's give to their clubs and junior charges is invaluable and without them the future of golf would not look so good.

Thanks to referee Terry Hembrow for giving up his time and to Torquay Golf Club who are always so welcoming to DevonGolf and Devon's golfers of all ages.