Beamish youngster caps remarkable year at home and nationally
Beamish Park Golf Club’s Matthew Watson has finished 2016 with one of the best records of any youngster in our region.
Having started the year by reaching the last 16 of the Scottish Boys at Mercar Links in Aberdeen, Watson retained the Race to Rockliffe title he lifted for the first time in 2015.
“It’s been a great year on the course,” said Matthew. “To get through to the last 16 from 236 players in the Scottish Boys was a good start to the year.
“To go on and retain the Race to Rockliffe title was a really good feeling and definitely stands out as one of my best wins.”
As well as his county triumphs the 16-year-old has found home success – becoming the youngest winner of the men’s club championships and winning the junior championship at Beamish.
“To win both club championships, and to be the first person to do it, was the highlight of my year. There’s a lot of history at Beamish and to be part of that is a great feeling,” he added.
Rounding off his season, Matthew was crowned Durham’s junior county champion of champions at Brancepeth Castle.
“The key to having such a good year was getting school out the way. Finishing my GCSEs then spending all my time on the golf course was great. I practised a lot, worked with John Harrison and got some great results from all that hard work.
“I’m looking forward to working with the England North squad over the winter and continuing with my course with the Golf Academy at Durham Sixth Form College. Next season I want to get down to scratch and make the cut consistently in the national events.”
