This year’s Welsh Boys Championship for those aged 18 and under was held at Bull Bay GC on Anglesey, a 6,276 yard Herbert Fowler layout. The views from the clifftop links are stunning encompassing rugged coastline, the sea and the mountains of Snowdonia. The club’s motto is ‘Her Deg or Hen Dir’ which means a fair challenge on ancient land.

The competitors played 36 holes to decide the best 16 for the matchplay round. Tenby’s Luke Harries tied for eighth place after rounds of 68 and 81 as did Abe Forsyth, a member of Tenby and Haverfordwest. Trefloyne’s Harrison Duckett also made the knock out stages. Unfortunately, Abe and Harrison both made an early exit.

Luke’s first round opponent was Aled Greville, of Ashburnham. It was a very tight match and Luke eventually came out on top by two holes.

In the quarter-final, Luke’s opponent was Tom Froom, of the famous Nefyn course, on the Llyn peninsula. Luke lost the first three holes, but then won four on the bounce. He came out on top by 3 and 2.

George Byrant, of Staddon Heights GC in Plymouth, was Luke’s opponent in the semi-final. It was another very tough match and Luke stood one down on the 18th tee. His birdie took the game into extra time and Luke secured victory on the first extra hole.

In the final, he faced Harry Frazer of Pennard. He was two down after 12 holes, but won the 13th, 14th and 17th. However, Luke lost the 18th and faced another sudden death play-off. Unfortunately, Harry drove out of bounds and conceded the match and the championship on the tee.

Luke is Tenby GC’s first ever Welsh boys champion. He had to dig very deep on several occasions in order to achieve this wonderful honour.

Next week, Luke will be representing Wales in the Boys Homes Internationals at St. Anne’s Old Links in Lytham St. Anne’s on the Lancashire coast. The following week, he will be taking part in the British Boys Championship at Nairn GC on the shores of the Moray Firth. He will then fly to the USA to take up his place at Tennessee University.