Tommy Hulance of Dartford GC took victory in the Kent Boys’ Championship at Prince’s.
Hulance set the pace from the outset with an outstanding opening round of five-under-par 67, giving him a three-shot lead at the halfway stage.
Despite strengthening winds in the afternoon, he maintained his composure with a one-over-par 73 to finish on a total of 140 and secure the title.
A total of 60 players contested the 36-hole junior championship over the Himalayas and Shore courses, while a further 18 competitors took part in the 18-hole Stableford competition on the Shore and Dunes courses, making for a memorable day on the Kent coast.
Marley Simpson of Rochester & Cobham Park finished runner-up on 145 after rounds of 70 and 75 and third place went to 2024 champion Justin Chenu, also of Rochester & Cobham, whose superb afternoon round of 70 saw him finish on 146, edging clubmate Thomas McManus on countback.
Chenu also claimed the prestigious AE Packman Trophy for the best gross score by a boy under 16.
In the nett competition, home advantage proved beneficial as Prince’s members excelled. George Bennett captured the Richard Young Cup with a nett score of 142, winning on countback from fellow Prince’s player Max Klosek. The rapidly-improving Quinn Jameson of Dartford GC secured third place on 143.
The girls’ championship saw Selina Bartarya of Royal Blackheath continue her excellent recent form.
Bartarya followed an opening round of 73 with a stunning 69 to finish 10 shots clear of the field and become girls’ champion. Emma Kwan of Chart Hills was runner-up with rounds of 82 and 70.
There was also success for Prince’s Golf Club in the girls’ nett competition, where reserve entrant Sophia Payne demonstrated the value of perseverance, producing a consistent two-round total of 138 to lift the trophy.
The 18-hole Stableford competition produced some excellent scoring, with Ellie Taylor of Faversham GC claiming victory with an impressive 43 points. Ethan Crabb of Prince’s finished second on 36 points, while Taylor’s fellow Faversham player, Joey Holman, secured third place with 34 points.
Hulance and Bartarya will now represent Kent at the England Golf Champion of Champions Tournament at Woodhall Spa in September.
