WILLIAM HOPKINS AND ELLEN HUME SECURE PLACES AT FALDO SERIES EUROPE GRAND FINAL WITH VICTORIES AT TRENTHAM GOLF CLUB

(Stoke-on-Trent, UK – July 30^th 2019):Accomplished English junior golfers, William Hopkins and Ellen Hume, have won the England Midlands Boys and England Girls Championships respectively. This was the fourth out of eight mixed (girls & boys) events of the 2019 Faldo Series Europe calendar. Both Hopkins and Hume safely secured their place at Al Ain Equestrian Shooting & Golf Club, Abu Dhabi for the Faldo Series Europe Grand Final in November.

The event saw 100 boys and 20 girls head to the prestigious Trentham Golf Club in Staffordshire – a venue that has hosted Open Championship Qualifying and England Golf events for both men and ladies. The event took place between 15^th – 17^th July, where both overall winners overcame strong international fields with players from countries such as Germany, Spain and Italy.

Recognised by The R&A in 1894, Trentham Golf Club is celebrating its 125^th anniversary this year. Known for its many attractive features and good upkeep, Trentham is proud to be hosting no less than five WAGR events in 2019. Extending to 6,641 yards from the championship tees and playing to a par of 72, feature holes include right doglegged, short par fours such as the 3^rd and 11^th, both of which play to heavily sand protected greens.

Hopkins (Under-21) started the third and final round two shots clear of fellow Englishman George Clarke with a total score of -8. Clarke untimely produced his highest round of the tournament with a third-round 2-over par 74, whilst Hopkins continued his excellent form and shot an impressive 2-under par 70 to put 6 shots between him and Clarke.

Commenting after his win, William Hopkins, said: “‘Going into the last day with a good lead made it difficult for me as I know how well George [Clarke] can play, so I had to keep my head to sustain the lead. I’m on a good run at the moment and playing consistently – I’m looking forward to competing in the Europe Grand Final at Al Ain where I will do my best to come out on top.”

John Richardson wrapped up the Under-18 category after a dramatic three-way playoff and secured a safe passage to the Grand Final with rounds of 73, 76, 72 (+5). Frank Kennedy comfortably won the Under-16 division by a 5 shot margin with scores of 75, 70, 74 (+3) to also secure his place at Al Ain.

Ellen Hume (Under-21), who made 12 birdies and 2 eagles over the three days, was streaks ahead of the field in the girl’s competition. Not only was she the sole player to shoot under par, she managed to do so for all three rounds, firing 69, 71, 70 for a total score of 9-under par. Hume’s nearest competitor was Megan Giles who finished on a respectable total score of 5-over par.

Commenting after her win, Ellen Hume, said: “I think my main advantage over the other girls this week was the fact I can drive it a long way which gave me lots of birdie opportunities. I’ve just completed my first year at university in the USA and being able to play in competitions all year round has really elevated my game and I feel like I’m swinging great at the moment. I’m really looking forward to competing in my first Faldo Series Europe Grand Final and if I play like I have this week I have a good chance of winning it.”

Louise Burke was a model of consistency all week with scores of 76, 77, 78 (+12) and successfully won the Under-16 girls division by 5 shots from Faldo Series stalwart Rivekka Jumagulova (Kazakhstan).

Matthew Faldo, Faldo Series Director, commented: “It has been a genuine pleasure to have the Faldo Series played at Trentham Golf Club for over a decade, especially so this year as the club celebrates its 125^th Anniversary. I have thoroughly enjoyed returning to the club and this year is no exception. Having the boys & girls in action on the same golf course is something unique to the Faldo Series and something we are very proud of. Many congratulations to all division winners, especially to Willian and Ellen on their impressive scores. I’m looking forward to seeing all five division winners at Al Ain in November for the Europe Grand Final.”

Today, 40 Faldo Series tournaments take place in 30-plus countries worldwide, touching thousands of junior golfers each year. Past winners include Major Champion Rory McIlroy, Eddie Pepperell, Matt Wallace, Danny Willet and former Tour Pro, Nick Dougherty.

Leading final scores:

Boys’ Under-21:

William Hopkins -10

George Clarke -4

Boys’ Under-18:

John Richardson +5

Adam Brady +5

Boys’ Under-16:

Frank Kennedy +3

Aaaron Durose +8

Girls’ Under-21:

Ellen Hume -9