I recently competed in the 122th Amateur Championship that was held from the 19th to 24th June at the historic Royal St. George’s and Princes Golf Club. With a strong field of 288 participants from all over the world, the winner receives not only the challenge trophy but an invitation to the British Open, US Masters and US open. After 2 rounds of stroke play qualifying, the top 64 players eventually advance into the Knockout match play stages. With its undulating greens and long fescue rough, links golf can always prove to be quite tricky especially if the wind picks up. Fortunately, the weather conditions were good during the two days of qualifying and it made both courses ideal for scoring. However, I was not able to take advantage of that and shot rounds of 72,72 to finish at 4 over par, which fell short of the qualifying mark at 1 under. A combination of some poor shots and decisions proved to be costly for me. In the match play stages, it was Englishman Harry Ellis who eventually prevailed in a dramatic final over Australian Dylan Perry on the 38th hole.
The following week I competed at the prestigious European Amateur Championship that was held at the Walton Heath Golf club from the 28th of June to 1st July. Former winners of the event include the likes of Rory Mcilroy and Sergio Garcia. With a strong international field of 144 players and played over 4 rounds of Stroke play, the winner gets an invitation to compete at the upcoming British Open. Only the top 60 and ties are able to advance to the final round after a three round cut. Unfortunately, I shot rounds of 76,76,73 to finish on 9 over and miss the cut that was at 2 under par. The conditions were ideal for scoring but with the course being tight and the rough punishing, I wasn’t able to drive the ball well enough off the tee to give myself ample scoring opportunities. During the final round, it was another dramatic finish as three players finished at 15 under par. In the end, it was Englishman Alfie Plant who came out victorious in the three- way playoff.
Overall, It was disappointing not to play as well as I know I could have. However, there were certainly some positives to be taken. I have definitely gained some valuable experience as well as useful lessons from those two weeks of high-level competition. With that, I am confident it will put me in good stead as I prepare for my upcoming events.
– Gregory Foo (Elite Squad Member)
