The Golf Development and Leadership programme was set up in October 2020 with the aim of providing weekly opportunities for talented and aspiring golf players to develop their abilities.
It has been rewarding for all the boys and girls involved and has allowed many of our pupils to push their abilities even further.
One Third Former has been part of the Downside School Golf Leadership & Development Programme since joining Downside from Farleigh Prep School in September. Training every Monday and Thursday with the PGA staff at our partner club, Farrington Park Golf Club, she has continued her progression in the sport with humility and grace — establishing herself as the leading player in the School, with a current handicap of nine.
After playing a leading role in golf matches this year against the Old Gregorian Golf Society, King’s School, Bruton & Sherborne, she then entered the Hampshire Ladies Golf Championships, at Alresford Golf Club. Qualification consisted of two 18-hole rounds on Wednesday, with 180 players entered. She played exceptionally well throughout qualifying, finishing 8th and progressing to the Match Play on Thursday. Continuing her good form, won her last 16 and quarter-final medal matches to make it through to the semi-finals, on the Friday. The youngest ever player to make it to the semi-final of these Championships, drawn against Kerry Smith (past Curtis Cup & England No.1 amateur player).
After a shaky first few holes (down five after five holes) the nerves settled, and she managed a fight back to only be one down on the 14th. Losing the 15th, she then halved a difficult 16th hole and needed to win the 17th to keep herself in the match. With a putt to win the hole, the ball shaved the hole but just wouldn’t drop! To lose the match two & one was a remarkable achievement, having been behind from the start against a vastly more experienced Senior player.
We look forward to seeing her development next year, and to welcoming nearly 30 players for our golf experience for 3 Days in June.