West Midlands: Quest starts for new Justin Rose
The search for the next Justin Rose tees off next month as the Peter McEvoy Trophy gets underway at Copt Heath in Solihull.
Held between April 15-16, the trophy is open to boys under the age of 18 and has previously been won by budding youngsters such as Luke Donald, Paul Casey, Lee Westwood and Justin Rose.
Copt Heath president Duncan Waters said: “Over the last 33 years the event has grown to become the premier golfing competition for junior players in England – many of whom are competing for the final places in the national team.
‘Every young man who takes part dreams of his name at the top of the world rankings’ “The fact that the competition has spawned so many big names over the years just adds to the sense of achievement for the youngster that lifts the coveted trophy. Every young man that takes part in the event dreams of taking his place at the top of the World Golf Rankings, and history tells them that lifting this trophy could bring that dream one step closer.”
The competition was initiated in 1981 by double British Amateur champion Peter McEvoy, a member at Copt Heath.
McEvoy twice captained the Walker Cup team and such has been the growth in competition to enter the event, the cut-off has been reduced to 0.2, with most having plus handicap.
Last year, Delemere Forest’s Haydn McCullen lifted the McEvoy Trophy with first day rounds of 66 and 69, making 14 birdies. He followed that up with final rounds of 70 and 74 on the second day to secure the trophy.
The 107-year-old Copt Heath course offers one of the toughest challenges on the junior circuit, with more than 100 bunkers dotted around the route.
The 72-hole event is timed early in the season to allow the GB&I golfing unions a last chance to see the country’s junior golfers put through their paces ahead of selection for the European and World Championships.
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