The month of May is an exciting time in the golfing world. Two high profile county golf competitions are due to take place within a fortnight of each other, at two of Gloucestershire’s finest Golf Clubs; Forest Hills Golf Club in Coleford and Naunton Downs Golf Club, Naunton.
These prestigious competitions are long-established and a highlight of the golfing calendar. The 103rd County Championships first took place at the turn of the Century in 1906 and has been a premiership competition for men’s golf ever since.
The event being held on Saturday 18th May 2019 is the only 72-hole stroke play event in the region; a chance for players to play the same format as that played by the best professionals in the world.
The championship is being played at Forest Hills Golf Club for the very first time; a tremendous reward for all the support that Forest Hills have given the County over recent years. In particular, the club are a superb supporter of Junior Golf in the County, having staged several recent events including the County Junior Championship in 2017.
Naunton Downs Golf Club situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty will play host to the much-anticipated U18s Boys Championships on Sunday 26th May for the first time also. This historic championship was first played in 1952 and is the premier individual event in the County calendar for Under 18s.
The competition is a qualifying event for the Jeff Hall Order of Merit and is played over 36 holes, the only Gloucestershire County Junior event in that format. Oliver Jenkins (The Players Club) is sure to be a leading contender having shot 66 in the Thornbury Junior Open followed by three wins out of three at the Midland Four Counties tournament. Other members of the Midland Four Counties Team are sure to be hot on his heels though. Toby Janes is one of those. Just 13 years of age (now), Toby won the U17 prize last year, and will be keen to try and go one better this year. The closing date for this competition is 17th May 2019.
Dereck Butler, Championship Chairman, said: ”These prestigious competitions are long-established and a highlight of the golfing calendar. They are an ideal opportunity for amateur players in the county to be recognised and rewarded and we look forward to welcoming all those who have entered on the 18th & 19th May"
Fore more information and entry criteria, please visit: www.gloucestershiregolfunion.co.uk/old_upcoming