Matty Lamb from Hexham and Samantha Fuller (Roehampton) defied the conditions to retain their overnight leads and claim victories in the prestigious Loretto School Scottish Boys & Girls Under-14’s Stroke Play Championship at Buchanan Castle.
In hugely difficult conditions, it was an English double in the wet west of Scotland as both players claimed the scratch title in their individual categories.
For Fuller, Surrey’s talented youngster, it was third time lucky in the international event – jointly run by the SGU and the SLGA – after previously finishing fourth the last two years.
The former US Kids Golf European winner posted two superb rounds of 72 for a level par total and won by two strokes from defending champion Susana Vik (Norway). Carolin Kauffman from Germany was third at five-over-par.
The best-placed Scot was Shannon McWilliam (Aboyne) in fifth spot, with Hazel MacGarvie (Troon Ladies) and Mirren Fraser (Powfoot) sharing ninth. Charlotte Munro of Gullane Ladies was the leading Under-12 girl, finishing 11th overall.
Fuller, a 13-year-old playing off a two handicap, was delighted with her success. “It was really difficult conditions and thanks to the greenkeepers for their work in the tricky weather,” the 2011 English Girls Under-13 champion said. “I just played really solidly and it’s great to win after coming close before.”
Lamb, meanwhile, fired fine rounds of 69 and 72 for his one-over-par total, holding off his playing partners Teodoro Soldati (Italy) and Herman Loubser (Mount Murray, Isle of Man). Soldati was three-over, with Loubser one shot behind.
Calum Graham (Crieff) was the top Scot among the boys in fifth, while Lewis Reid (Tantallon), Aidan Husenne (Haggs Castle) and Matthew McCulloch (Portpartick) tied for sixth.
Lamb ultimately claimed his success with birdies at the 15th and 16th, but was given a late scare as Soldati chipped in at the 18th while he bogeyed.
The 14-year-old, off a three handicap, continued his success this year after his unique double in May’s Northumberland County Schools Golf Championship when he scooped the U16 title but also won the overall U19 county title too.
“This is my biggest win,” he admitted. “It’s my first national success. I felt the pressure a little bit, but I played well at the end to win. Given the weather, the greens were soft and you had to play the course differently.”
The Gibson Trophy for leading Under-12 boy went to Alex Simpson (Strathmore).
The Duke and Duchess of Montrose, the owners of the course, were in attendance to present the prize giving, with The Duke a previous Loretto pupil. Loretto School’s resident golf professional, Rick Valentine, Buchanan Castle representatives and members of the SGU and SLGA also assisted with the prizes.
Loretto School Golf Academy, based in Musselburgh, East Lothian, has been supported of the event, sponsors since 2004.
The Loretto School Golf Academy is widely recognised as the leading golf school in Europe. Now in its 10th year, it offers pupils an outstanding opportunity to develop their golfing talents in tandem with a first-class, all-round private school education.