Surrey Schools Golf 2021

Thomas and Matthew Hawke

Initially having to cancel the Handicap Championship (12-24 for boys, 10-36 for girls) held annually at Chipstead in the Spring and Covid denying the possibility of playing the County Schools matches against Berkshire, Middlesex and Kent, they were able to participate in the representative events organised by the English Schools’ Golf Association.

A team of five boys and four girls was sent to the South of England Schools’ Championships at Mill Ride, Berkshire on 1st June (reduced from the normal 36 holes to 18). Thomas Hawke of Reed’s School won this event and his twin brother Matthew was third. Evie Kircher of Gordon’s School was second in the girls’ event, being pipped on countback for the title.

The boys’ team of the Hawke brothers and Rocky Chapman won the team event and all three were selected to go on to the National Schools’ Championship at Belton Park, Lincs. The girls’ team of Evie Kircher, Alex Phelps and Alex Jakins tied for first place but lost on countback. Evie was selected to compete at the Nationals.

At the Nationals, Thomas Hawke won the boys’ title. In a further success for Surrey Schools, Luke Metcalf won the ESGA National U-16 Championship held at Walsall G.C.

As a result of these victories, Surrey have two internationals this year. Thomas captained the England Schools’ Boys’ team in the international against Wales Schools at Rolls of Monmouth G.C. on 30th August and Luke joined him on the team. They played together in the foursomes and won, with each also winning their own singles match. A comfortable England victory.

Surrey Schools’ Championship was held at Guildford on 28th June. This year’s championship attracted the best quality field ever seen. Of the 50 boys entered, four had plus handicaps, and of the 13 girls, two were in the plus category. The champions were Monty Holcombe (Wallington County G.S.) with a one-under gross of 68 and Alex Phelps with a two-under 70. The handicap winners were Caleb Strauss (Weydon) (15) 65 and Jess Stoffberg (Woking H.S.) (23) 64.

In spite of the restrictions forced by the Pandemic on schools and golf, Surrey Schools Golf have managed to return after last year’s washout to run a limited programme of events.

Alex Phelps

Monty Holcombe Luke and Thomas Hawke

Caleb Strauss Jess Stofberg