119 players from schools across Somerset took part in the County Championships at Weston Super Mare golf club on Wednesday 19 March.
Rosie, Rupert, Cameron and Oscar all represented Downside. Players were drawn in their respective competitions against players from other schools with similar handicaps to themselves.
Rupert (handicap of 14.6) went off first at 10:08 in three ball. After a slow front nine in which he also had to take a provisional ball off the 1st tee, he rallied on the back end of the course to finish with a score of 86 (14 over) to equal his handicap and get us off to a good start in the competition.
Oscar (handicap of 17.8) went of next for the boys at 12:08, also in a three ball. He played well throughout and managed the course to finish with a score of 88 (16 over) to slightly better his handicap which was commendable.
Cameron (handicap of 19.0) went of last for the boys at 12:16, again in a three ball. After a topped drive on the 1st tee he too rallied well and recorded a score of 88 (16 over) to also better his handicap and finish the day very satisfied.
School golf captain Rosie (handicap of 1.0) was on paper the leading player, having also been runner-up at this event in 2023. However, in a four ball with three Millfield players all with handicaps under 8.0 going off at 11:12, it promised to be a good competition. As Rosie came up the 18th fairway she held a two shot lead, but some wayward driving resulted in some unexpected water entry, and set up a tense putt out on the green. Thankfully Rosie would hold her nerve and finish with a one shot lead over her nearest rival to secure the title of Somerset Schools Girls Golf Champion 2025.
It was a great day. In 2023 only two Downside pupils held handicaps and took part. This year it was four, and we hope to double that again for next year.