MORGAN BLYTHE SETS NEW COURSE RECORD ON WAY TO FALDO SERIES WIN

(Northumberland, UK – 19^th August 2021) Morgan Blythe celebrated from day one of the Faldo Series England North Championship following a course record 65 with rounds of 70 and 74 to claim the overall title.

Over the three days, 62 elite juniors fought in the historic setting at Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Course for a prestigious invite to the Faldo Series Europe Grand Final this October.

Designed by former Open Champion, James Braid, the course sits in the shadows of the 14th century castle ruins and boasts views over the award-winning Northumberland coastline.

However, on Monday, it was Morgan Blythe who created his own piece of history after an opening round of 65, five under par, broke the course record and engraved the local Northumberland junior at the top of leaderboard, where he remained for the rest of the tournament. Two solid following rounds, which weathered the blustery links conditions, saw him secure the overall title by six shots and the Boys U18 category too. Blythe was the only player in the field to finish under par for the week after the three rounds.

Following the winning putt, England North champion, Morgan Blythe, said, “I am glad today is over, it was a bit stressful at times, but I am happy that putt went in, and I can enjoy myself now”, and asked about being crowned a winner on the Faldo Series he said, “It sounds pretty cool. It has got a bit of ring to it doesn’t it!”

In the rest of the Boys’ categories, a more competitive title challenge commenced as both Alexei Glass and Luke Metcalf successfully chased down a three shot lead in the U21s and U16s respectively to claim their titles and secure their place alongside Blythe at the Europe Grand Final.

Whilst Faye Wheatley claimed an entertaining win in the Girls U21s category, as she capitalised on a punishing back nine for leader Ellie Farwell, to finish with a well fought win and secure a Europe Grand Final invite. All is not lost for Farwell, who will also receive an invite following the combination of the U16s and U21s categories.

Speaking after the event, Matthew Faldo, Director of the Faldo Series, said: “The atmosphere at Dunstanburgh has been spectacular, with brilliant support for the event and our players. A special thanks to all the volunteers who generously gave their time to put on a great event and to Stuart [Imeson] and all the Dunstanburgh team whose support has been incredible and has helped to create such a memorable week for the Series.

“Hugely impressive win for Morgan and we would like to share a congratulations from all the Series team on the opening day’s performance. To beat the course record and put on such a show in those conditions was a real treat. Exciting things to come, so watch this space. And of course, to Alexei, Luke and Faye who showed real resilience in each of their battles for the age category tiles, particularly against a proper links test coming down the back nine.”

The Faldo Series will continue to celebrate its 25^th year of competition with a double header next week, as it visits Rhuddlan Golf Club for the Wales Girls and Boys Championship on the 24^th August, whilst long standing Series supporter Black Stork Golf Resort welcomes juniors back for the inaugural Slovakia Girls and Boys Championship also on the 24^th August.

Leading final scores and qualifiers for the England North Girls and Boys Championship

Boys’ Under-21:

Alexei Glass +11

Harry Butler +13

Adam Le Vey +14

Boys’ Under-18:

Morgan Blythe -1

Jake Sowden +4

Lucas Martin +6

Boys’ Under-16:

Luke Metcalf +13

Cameron Thoburn +17