Balby Academy of Sport golfers crowned national champions

(back, l-r) Greg Denton, Luke Palmowski, Aaron Nairn, and (front) Laura Morrison, Tom Guttridge and Nathan Fell.

The defending champions retained the gross trophy and were also nett winners in the 54-hole strokeplay event, which attracted more than 100 competitors from across the country.

The team competition saw Balby produce the best four scores from six.

In tough conditions, captain Nathan Fell (1 handicap), of Lindrick Golf Club, hit a six over par 78 first round and par in the afternoon.

Greg Denton (SCR), also of Lindrick, hit 80 and 77, Aaron Nairn (1), Rotherham, 73 and 81, and Luke Palmowski (1), Hickleton, 72 and 73.

Tom Guttridge (6), Sandhill/Rotherham, making his college debut, shot two rounds of 82, while Laura Morrison (3), of Garforth, finished with 83 and 79, the ladies’ par being 75.

Morrison was third overnight in the girls’ gross competition, with Balby taking a 14-shot lead into the final round.

On the second day, Guttridge took advantage of perfect conditions to hit a 76. Morrison went round in 80, Denton 76, Nairn 80, Fell 76 and Palmowski 79.

Those scores meant Balby won by four shots from Myerscough College and also won the nett competition.

Palmowski narrowly missed out on a play-off for the individual title by three shots and Fell by five.

Golf Academy director Ian Lindley said: “It was a special week at a prestigious golf course on the West Coast and a chance for them to win it for a third time next year.

“It was sweet revenge as Balby had lost by a single shot to Myerscough College at the AOC Sport golf finals at St Andrew’s in March.

“This now leaves us with an impressive tally of two national titles and a runners-up position.”

Balby can add to their title in Trevose, Cornwall, in the British Schools and Colleges finals.

They also travel to Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, for the English Schools Team Championship where they will represent Yorkshire in the County Schools’ Finals.