Theo Chapman produced a spectacular performance to lift the Seaton Carew Junior Salver.
On the hottest May day on the links since golf was first introduced to the coastal village in 1874, Seaton welcomed 60 junior golfers from across the region to compete for the title.
The tournament was split into two handicap divisions, with players with handicaps of 12 and below tackling the Micklem Course from the white tees.
Seaton Carew member Theo led the field with a gross score of 74 (three over-par) – sealing his victory in style by calmly rolling in a 10ft birdie putt on the 18th green. Seaton junior captain Ollie Hudson also made birdie at the final hole as he finished one shot back in second place.
“It feels absolutely incredible to be crowned the junior champion at a prestigious club like Seaton Carew,” said Theo. “To win a historic competition on a course with this much heritage means everything to me. Seeing so many members cheering at the 18th is something I won’t forget.”
Junior liaison officer Neil Dawkins added: “Living only a good five-iron away from the first tee, Theo can be seen most evenings after school walking along the seafront with his golf bag over his shoulder going to do his practice. He is now getting his rewards for all the hard work he is putting into his game. He is a great example to the other juniors coming through – a finer lad you won’t find, always with a smile on his face.”
The tournament’s second division (handicaps 12 and over, played from the yellow tees) brought further home success with Seaton’s Alex Robertson claiming victory with a nett score of 65.
The Junior Salver was first played for in 1989, and past champions include three-time HotelPlanner Tour winner Robert Dinwiddie.
