The reaction of Jamie Skinner when he won a Rio Olympic Flag signed by gold medallist Justin Rose at the Graeme Storm Junior Open said it all.
While Rose was battling for the Masters title 4,000 miles away in Augusta, young Jamie was racing through the packed Hartlepool clubhouse to pick up his prize for finishing third in the 7-10-year-old category plus the Olympic flag – the grin on his face as wide as the Tees.
A field of 158 young players played Hartlepool’s testing links course bathed in glorious sunshine and the scoring was phenomenal. A nett 58, 61 and 64 were recorded as well some excellent gross scores, including a 70 by Ben Bailey.
Proceeds from the tournament, ran in conjunction with Dyke House Sports and Technology College and the Northern Echo, saw £5,000 go to the Finlay Cooper Fund.
Storm was particularly grateful to his friend Rose and former Open Champion Paul Laurie who sent his personal replica of the Claret Jug – something which proved popular with the youngster who were queuing cup to have their photograph taken with it.
“There is no prouder Brit than Justin and he was overwhelmed to win gold in Rio last summer. It was a great gesture for him to send this piece of history as it was for Paul Lawrie to send down his Open Championship trophy.
“It’s been an unbelievable day – what a tournament. I’d like to thank everyone who has supported it, especially my home club Hartlepool, my wife Sara and all the volunteers, and all the sponsors for providing the prizes.”
Graeme Storm Junior Open winners
7-10 mixed Adam Dews 35pts, Ben Brown 35, Jamie Skinner 33.
11-14 Boys Best nett: Kieran Hall 58, Harry Etherington 61. Best gross: Daniel Norman 73.
Girls Best nett: Ella Jackson 64, Emily Atkinson 66. Best gross: Libby Bell 81.
15-18 Boys Best nett: Matthew Booth 61, Ryan Mackie 64. Best gross: Ben Bailey 70.
Girls Best nett: Ella Crang 71, Emily Baxter 71. Best gross: Amy Sutheran 84.
