Northamptonshire County Golf Club to host prestigious amateur golf tournament

Max Mcvittie

Some of the world’s brightest junior golfers are heading to Northamptonshire County Golf Club as the venue stages the 86th Carris Trophy.

Northamptonshire County Golf Club | Source: Northamptonshire County Golf Club

Northamptonshire County Golf Club will once again take centre stage in amateur golf this week. It hosts the Carris Trophy for just the second time in the championship’s history.

The English Boys’ Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship returns to the renowned heathland venue from July 21-24. Doing so will bring together 144 of the world’s leading under-18 golfers from 22 countries.

One of Europe’s most prestigious amateur events, the Carris Trophy has provided an early proving ground for some of the game’s biggest names. Former champions include Major winners Justin Rose and Sandy Lyle. Numerous Ryder Cup players have also lifted the trophy during its 86-year history.

The championship’s return marks 32 years since Northamptonshire County last hosted the event, when home favourite Robert Duck memorably claimed victory on his own course in 1994.

“I had been a member at the club since I was four years old, and expectations were high!” Duck remembered.

“I was naturally very nervous, representing the club, but I came out all guns blazing in the third round and set a new course record. The golf course was baked dry, fast and firm, just like it will be this week. Lord Spencer presented me with the prize, and I will never forget the experience.”

This year’s championship features several of Europe’s leading junior golfers, including England’s Aaron Moody and Italy’s Giampaolo Gagliardi. The pair are currently ranked second and third respectively in the European Under-18 rankings. The event also counts towards qualification for the 2027 Junior Ryder Cup.

Competitors are expected to face a stern test on the Harry Colt-designed layout. Recent hot weather has left the 6,721-yard, par-70 course running firm and fast.

England Golf Championship Manager Scott Allison praised the venue ahead of the tournament’s return.

“Northamptonshire County’s quality cements it as a high-calibre championship golf course,” he said.

“For Europe’s biggest Under 18 Boys tournament we needed a great test of golf, with good practice facilities and lots of space – all of which the club provides.”

Play gets under way on Tuesday, July 21, with spectators welcome across all four days. Those who head down will get the chance to see as some of the brightest young talents in world golf. They will be competing for one of amateur golf’s most coveted titles.

To play this year’s Carris Trophy venue, contact the club on 01604 843025 or visit www.countrygolfclub.co.uk.

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About the author

Max Mcvittie

A bit of a late bloomer to the game of golf, Max fell in love with the sport when he attended Saturday coaching sessions down at his local golf club after being inspired by friends and family members.

Max has remained a member of Eden Golf Club in Carlisle for a number of years now as he looks to get his handicap down into single figures. Most of his golfing career has been spent battling a permanent slice off the tee, which has led to some ugly rounds.

Having studied at the University of Sunderland, Max is starting out his dream career in sports journalism. During his time at university, he picked up valuable work experience at Reach PLC, BBC Radio Cumbria and GiveMeSport, whilst also getting work published in the Teesside Live. He also spent time working at a local weekly newspaper, Eskdale and Liddesdale Advertiser, as a general news reporter partially covering some local sport just north of the border in Langholm.

Max has just started his journey with the NCG working as the assistant equipment editor. He looks forwarded to reviewing the latest golf equipment, taking up an interest in reviews when buying his first golf club, a Cleveland RTX wedge.

With his bag not going under too many changes throughout the last few years, Max carries an M3 driver, Titleist GT3 Fairway Wood, M2 hybrid, a set of M2 irons, Callaway Jaws wedges and a TaylorMade Spider putter. And yes, Max is a bit of a self-proclaimed TaylorMade fan boy.