The third round of the Dandara Junior Order of Merit, held on Sunday at Rowany Golf Club, saw more than 40 youngsters in action, despite cold and windy conditions.
The weather didn’t put off the juniors, with the field managing to shoot some impressive scores over the five different sections of the competition.
Rowany’s own Jack Gilbert used his local knowledge of the course to take the win in the Under 18s section with a score of 69 gross/65 nett ahead of Peel’s Kayleigh Dawson, who shot 83 gross/77 nett.
In the Under 14s section two of Mount Murray’s up-and-coming junior players took the top spots. Freddie Dancox’s round of 84 gross/65 nett saw him take the honours from Emma Noon, who shot 93 gross/68 nett.
The 9-hole competition had to be decided on a count back after two players scored 22 points, and it was Ramsey’s Jack Higgins who was named the winner ahead of Peel’s Connor Cain. There were good scores in the 6-hole competition, won by Lewis Hartley from Ramsey with 14 points, just ahead of the 13 points achieved by Adam Holt from Mount Murray.
The Flag Competition was, again, a close battle with eight players competing to see how far they could get round the course with just 36 shots. Josh Dooley took 1st by just getting onto the 5th hole, ahead of runner-up Cameron Benham, who made it onto the 4th green.
The Junior Order of Merit was launched with assistance from England Golf in 2014 with the aim of encouraging youngsters to get involved in the sport and to develop a pathway to becoming better players and continuing with golf as a sport for life. Contested by boys and girls together, it is split into sections to cater for all levels of ability, including full rounds for Under 18s and Under 14s, 9-hole and 6-hole competitions for younger and less experienced players, and a flag competition for beginners.
This is the second season it has been sponsored by award-winning developer Dandara, which is also title sponsor of Isle of Man Golf’s Junior Championships.
Prizes were presented by Isle of Man Golf President Dee Lewis and Rowany Captain Mike Kewley.
Dee said: ‘The latest round of the Dandara Junior Order of Merit gave players a new test, due to the weather conditions, but they rose to the challenge and there was some thrilling golf played throughout the age and ability groups. I’d like to congratulate everyone who took part, and again express my gratitude to Dandara for its ongoing support of the junior game.’
The full list of prize winners was: Jack Gilbert (Rowany), Kayleigh Dawson (Peel), Freddie Dancox (Mount Murray), Emma Noon (Mount Murray), Jack Higgins (Ramsey), Connor Cain (Peel), Lewis Hartley (Ramsey), Adam Holt (Mount Murray), Josh Dooley (Douglas) and Cameron Benham (Douglas).
The fourth round of the Dandara Junior Order of Merit takes place at Douglas Golf Club on Sunday 30th July. Before that the Dandara Junior Championships will be held at Mount Murray on 9th July and entries can be made through club junior organisers and information will be displayed at all clubs.
For more information visit www.isleofmangolf.im or the Golf Isle of Man page on Facebook.
Photo - Some of the winners and players at the third round of the Dandara Junior Order of Merit.
