CARL BANNER CLAIMS A FALDO SERIES PLAYOFF WIN AT KEDLESTON PARK TO SECURE GRAND FINAL SPOT
(Derbyshire, UK – 16th July 2020) In light of wet and blustery conditions, promising English junior golfer, Carl Banner, has won the Faldo Series England Midlands Championship, following a rollercoaster final round to secure a coveted place at Al Ain Equestrian Shooting & Golf Club, Abu Dhabi for the Grand Final in November.
Over the three days, a consecutive Faldo Series full house field of 99 junior boys were matched up on the Kedleston Park course in Derbyshire, where thick rough and USGA specified greens challenged the players strategic skills and technical accuracy.
Overlooked by the 18th century Kedleston Hall, the course, renovated by world renown architect Tom Mackenzie, is regarded as the number one course in Derbyshire by Top100golfcourses.com and provides a magnificent stage for dramatic golf, proven by its reward as a host venue for the Regional Qualifying for The Open since 2018.
Carl Banner produced three consistently high-class rounds, 71-71-69, to finish 5-under par and earn a share of the lead after 54 holes with early leader and local to Kedleston Park, Henry Hayward, whose combination of talent and insider course knowledge pushed Banner into a playoff. Despite Hayward chipping in on the first extra hole to extend the playoff, it was Banner who found success on the second playoff hole, eventually concluding the tournament, and claiming the overall England Midlands Championship trophy and Under-18 win too.
Following his successful final round campaign, Carl Banner, commented, “I got off to a steady start and then found some real form with Henry and I both trading birdies and the lead yo-yoing between us. I felt like I didn’t do too much wrong through the bogey streak and managed to regain composure for the eagle on 17 and wedge shot on the last in regulation. The playoff was pretty tense and thought I had it done on the 1st playoff hole but credit to Henry for fighting all the way, he certainly pushed me all the way, even on the 2nd playoff hole I thought he was going to his 30ft putt! It’s been a great week at Kedleston and to finish it off like that was special.”
Elsewhere in the field, Ben Quick’s final round 4-under par charge, fell one short of a playoff position, however the University of Exeter golfer still found a win in the Under-21s category and secured an invite to Al Ain come November. Tyler Weaver wrapped up the category wins with the Under-16 victory following a mature display in the conditions to finish the three days +1 over and an impressive joint 4th in the overall standings.
Matthew Faldo, Director of the Faldo Series, said: “This week
it has been a real pleasure to see the Series season continue here at the
magnificent Kedleston Park. Walking
the course, it is in immaculate condition which provided an incredible challenge
for the players. The club has been an incredibly
welcoming host to the Series, we have thoroughly enjoyed our week. The golf
really matched the setting with some incredible scores, ending with an exciting
playoff between Carl and Henry.
“Many congratulations to Carl for an impressive win here, and to Ben and Tyler who also performed with exceptional quality to find success on the course. On the assumption of all being well, we look forward to seeing them in action at Al Ain and hopefully in some more summer friendly weather.”
The Faldo Series team and Kedleston Park staff had gone above and beyond to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of all players and staff at the event remained uncompromised upon their return, with sanitisation stations, social distancing and reduced touch points implemented and signed throughout the event. Players continued to use the Faldo Series app to complete all scoring.
The Faldo Series Europe schedule will continue over the coming weeks, with the Series
moving further north for a new Qualifying event at Slaley Hall, Northumberland
for the England North East Championship on the 21st July.
Leading final scores and qualifiers from the Faldo Series England Midlands Championship:
Boys’ Under-21:
Ben Quick -4
Cameron Bridger +2
Oliver Lewis +3
Boys’ Under-18:
Carl Banner -5
Henry Hayward -5
Joseph Quinn +3
Boys’ Under-16:
Tyler Weaver
William Horne +2 Cormac Sharpe +3
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