Farrington Park’s England international Josh Hilleard has followed in the footsteps of players such as Rickie Fowler, Hunter Mahan, JB Holmes and Michelle Wie to win a prestigious American award.
His feat in winning four titles in 22 days has been recognised with the Southern Golf Association’s Amateur of the Month Award for April.
Hilleard won the Berkhamsted Trophy, the Faldo Series Wales championship, the Hampshire Salver and the West of England Amateur, in a stunning run which has taken him to the top of the England Golf order of merit.
Buford McCarty, secretary of the SGA, told Hilleard: “This run comprised an amazing string of victories, certainly an accomplishment worthy of this award and something you will recall for the rest of your life.”
Hilleard received the award from England Golf Performance Director, Nigel Edwards, at the recent England v France international, where he was joint top scorer with three wins of four, helping England to a 10-14 win.
He remarked: “It’s a privilege – and always nice – to be recognised on a wider scale than you imagined. I had no idea that anyone would know about this in the States.”
Charlie Wins 2016 Max Stone Chalice
The two day tournament was played over Saturday and Sunday with the winner being the player with the best nett score of the two rounds.
Saturday’s weather conditions were warmer than forecasted but the 103 competitors found scoring difficult.
Several players mastered the conditions; Adrian Cronin was an early leader with a score of nett 67, closely followed by Phil Howells with a nett 68. Charlie Wigmore was one shot further back in third place.
With most players being available to play on day two, a day of good golf was anticipated; the early starters having the advantage of sunny weather without any wind. Early leaders were Steve Coles and John Ward, who both scored a nett 69.
As the players finished they were able to sit on the sunny patio, watching the remaining competitors finish their rounds, whilst enjoying a drink and a barbeque.
Mark Adams had two good rounds of 74 & 77 giving the best gross score of 151. Second place went to Danny Farnen (gross 81 & 77) with a gross total of 158.
With the overnight leaders approaching the final green, a gathering of players waited to see who would be the champion. In third place with the combined nett scores of 73 & 72, total of 145 was Paul Gregory. The first day leader, Adrian Cronin scored nett 67 & 74, totalling 141, which secured second place. The worthy winner was Charlie Wigmore, who had started the day in third place; he held his game together under the pressure, to score nett 69 & 68, totalling 137, 4 shots clear of the field.
Club captain, Rob Riccio thanked everyone for their help and support over the weekend,, especially the starter, ladies’ captain Bobby Appleby. Rob then presented Charlie with the famous Max Stone green jacket and Chalice.
Saturday Stableford 21/5/2016
In rather wet conditions some brave golfers battled through the weather and Lee Bruton topped Division 1 with 35 points followed in second by Shane Phelps on 33 points and Andy Bayley in third on 32 points. In Division 2 a great score from Ben Park with an outstanding 41 points in the conditions and Ian Jones taking second with 33 points beating Bob Earney into third on count back.
Sunday Stableford 22/5/2016
In the better weather of the weekend Tom Snelling took control of Division 1 with a good score of 39 points followed closely by Paul Jones on 38 points beating Lee Sparkes into third on count back.In Division 2 it was Stuart Howe who topped the charts with 37 points and Ben Park continuing his good weekend in second with 35 points and Jon Brignull in third on 34 points.