Wilton’s Alfie Baldwin is looking to build on a successful 2022 season as he makes the move up to under-18 level.
Runner-up in the Northern Golfer Junior Champion of Champions at Longhirst Hall, 16-year-old Alfie had a string of top finishes last term, including topping qualifying for the Junior European Open at Middlesbrough Golf Club, finishing sixth in the Yorkshire Boys Amateur Championship, and finishing in the top-20 at the North of England under-16s.
“I was really happy with a lot of my performances in 2022,” said Alfie. “It was great to play in the biggest national events, including the Scottish Boys and McGregor Trophy, and have some top finishes.
“I’m also really proud of my record for Teesside and Yorkshire last year, losing just one game and being top points scorer in the Northern Counties Boys’ final at Arcot Hall.”
One of the highlights of the year came at the finals of the 30th Junior European Open in Spain, Alfie’s first tournament outside the UK.
“The trip to Spain was a great experience. My dad was on the bag, and while I didn’t get the result I wanted, I learned a lot and will use all that experience moving forward.”
Part of England Golf’s Yorkshire Regional Squad, which is coached by Steve Robinson, +1.4-handicapper Alfie has set his sights on building on his performances for Teesside and Yorkshire in 2023. He will also be continuing his work with coach James Kraus at Wilton, where he also supports the development of fellow juniors alongside James.
“I’m looking forward to the step up to under-18 level and continuing to reduce my handicap,” added Alfie, who achieved a scratch handicap at the age of 14 having picked up the game at the age of seven.
“I’d like to keep advancing with Yorkshire and England too after some good work this winter – then we’ll see what happens at tournaments once the season is underway.
“I have to add a huge thank you to all the people who’ve helped me on my journey so far – from James and the coaches at Yorkshire and England to the Woodsmith Foundation, John Paul Hairdressing, and all the members at Wilton Golf Club who have supported me and fundraised to help me make it over to Spain last season.”
