School Golfers Crowned National Champions
Published by Brentwood School on Wednesday 1st of May 2024
The journey to victory began with practice rounds on the weekend of 20th and 21st April, where the team looked in good form ahead of the main event. However, it was the first competition round on Monday that truly tested their mettle.
Despite the challenges presented by a lengthened course, the Brentwood team, led by stand-in captain Ethan Roos, (who had stepped into the team as a replacement for captain Max Porteous) rose admirably to the occasion. Ethan's stellar performance, boasting a remarkable score of 73, set the tone for the team's outstanding performance. Henry Linley almost matched him with a commendable 74, whilst his brother Edward Linley registered a determined 78 whilst not being at his superb best.
With two scores of three to count, Brentwood’s total of 147 meant that they were in joint 1st place with Radley College at the end of day one. This was unprecedented as Brentwood had never finished above 9th place at the finals.
Brentwood School Head of Golf, Chris Long, said: “Over dinner, the team discussed tactics for the next day and there was a real sense of excitement about what might be achieved.”
Day two brought more challenging weather conditions, with a blustery breeze making the course even tougher. Some nerves amongst the team in the opening few holes saw several shots dropped to par from each player, yet, undeterred, the team displayed resilience and determination.
Edward found his game and battled superbly to complete an exceptional level par round of 72 and Henry made excellent back-to-back birdies at the 11th and 12th as he hung on to finish with a 77 solidifying Brentwood’s position at the top. Ethan played some very impressive golf but dropped a few shots near the end to finish with a score of 81.
In a nail-biting conclusion, Brentwood endured an anxious wait as competing schools vied to surpass their total score. Mr Long took up the story: “There then followed an agonising wait for about half an hour, as two schools with players still out on the course could theoretically beat our total score for two days of 296.
“However, after some careful checking of scorecards by the tournament organiser, the calculations were made and Brentwood had prevailed by a single shot over RGS Guildford, and were crowned national champions!”
Established in 2005 the Independent Schools Golf Association (ISGA) is the official Golf organisation for Independent Schools in the UK running a series of events throughout the UK.
130 independent schools entered this year’s competition, with 18 reaching the national final. Brentwood's victory was an unparalleled milestone marking the biggest golfing achievement in the history of the school.
Mr Long congratulated Edward, Henry, and Ethan for their outstanding skill and determination which were instrumental in this historic win.
He also paid tribute to Max Porteous, the school captain, who sadly missed the finals having been injured playing football for the school 1st XI, but whose leadership and dedication have been integral to the team's success.
“Max first represented the school golf team in Year 8 and he has been a rock on which the team has been built ever since. He has been school golf captain for the last two years, leading with distinction at all times, and he is deservedly heading to Florida on a golf scholarship next year. He has played as big a part in this win as anyone else and we wish him the best of luck in the future.”
