Cheshire Golf and Wallasey Golf Club were superb hosts in staging the Four Counties Junior Tournament which began in 1973.
The four counties involved each year have been Cheshire, Lancashire Nottinghamshire and Shropshire and Herefordshire and over the years many of the young golfers went on to play at high levels in amateur and professional golf.
Cheshire and Crewe Golf Club were the first hosts with Lancashire winning the trophy.
In the field were Peter Barber (Lancashire) and Sandy Lyle and Ian Woosnam (Shropshire and Herefordshire). After the first day meet-up and practice rounds the serious business began next day with seven players in each team playing singles matches against another county.
Two rounds were played on Day One and final One on Day two followed by the presentation of the trophies by Cheshire President John Heggarty.
The first day’s weather was difficult in strong winds and some rain after the recent warm weather we have enjoyed.
Shropshire and Herefordshire beat Nottinghamshire 5-2 and Cheshire secured a vital 4-3 win over Lancashire.
Winning for Cheshire were Captain Cole Self 4&3, Spencer Davies two up, Laurent Beech 5&3 and Harry Kell 4&3.
The afternoon games saw Lancashire beat Shropshire and Herefordshire 4-3 and Cheshire hit top form with a resounding and crucial 7-0 win over Nottinghamshire. Posting wins for Cheshire were Cole Self 6&4, Spencer Davies 6&4, Laurent Beech 3/&, Aaron Mohun 5&3, Maxi Moore 3&1, Ben Buchanan 7&5 and Harry Kell 2&1.
Lancashire eased to a 6-1 win over Nottinghamshire and Cheshire took on Shropshire and Herefordshire in a close contest which Cheshire edged 4-3 to retain the title and trophy they won at Formby in 2024.
Their matches had Cole Self completing his hat-trick 4&3 backed by wins for Maxi Moore 5&3 and Lucas Kuiper 4&3with Spencer Davies and Harry Kell halving their matches for a 4-3 win.
The after match speeches were given by Wallasey Captain Dave Pennington who gave deserving praise to all at his club for providing a magnificent venue and to all of their players for their quality of golf and etiquette.
His remarks were enhanced by Cheshire President John Heggarty who also gave special thanks to all of the volunteers on and off the course for their vital work in making this a tournament for all to remember with affection and appreciation.
Last up was Nottinghamshire President Colin Bee to accept the Four Counties flag for his own course Coxmoor GC who will host the competition next year.
Team Captain Cole Self gets the match underway
Quite a backdrop! Lucas Kuiper on the 5th
Maxi Moore hits from the first tee
Aaron Mohun
Harry Kell on 6th hole
Laurent Beech watches as Charlie Boys (S&H) hits to the 5th
Cole Self putts on 13th
Spencer Davies
Cole Self
Copy: Geoff Garnett
Images: Geoff Garnett and Cheshire Golf
