ELITE SQUAD REFLECT... - 15th Dec 2003

The English Golf Union Elite Squad can reflect on a successful 2003 season with a great deal of satisfaction.

2003 saw the Elite Squad scoop many international titles and honours around the world.

In January England won the Nations Cup event played within the Lake Macquarie International Amateur Championship in Australia with Jon Lupton (Middlesbrough) and Richard Finch (Hull) finishing in a tie of fourth place in the event.

In March Richard Walker (Frodsham) won the Portuguese Amateur Championship with the England Team winning the Nations Cup. Richard's victory earned him a place in the Portuguese Open on the PGA European Tour schedule, in which he finished in a most creditable 11th place.

April saw the England Team captained by Cec Bloice put together a marvellous final day performance to overtake Spain and win the European Nations Cup (Sherry Cup) at Sotogrande. Gary Wolstenholme (Kilworth Springs) won the individual title for the 3rd time in his career.

May saw England comprehensively defeat Spain in the two-day International match played at Lindrick. Jon Lupton won the Brabazon Trophy at a wind swept Hunstanton, and Richard Finch won the coveted St.Andrews Links Trophy with fellow squad member Lee Corfield (Burnham & Berrow) claiming the runners up spot.

June was a great month for the Elite Squad especially for the seasoned campaigner Wolstenholme. He won his second Amateur Championship at Royal Troon defeating the young talented Swiss international Raphael De Sousa. The following week Gary claimed the Scottish Stroke Play Championship in style at Turnberry with Richard Walker taking the runner's up spot.

A week later Michael Skelton (Middlesbrough) won the Welsh Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship at Prestatyn.

July, and England arrived in Holland for the European Men's Team Championship with high hopes of a Gold Medal. Following an indifferent performance in the stroke play stages they then progressed through the match play stages to the final. Unfortunately the Spanish proved too strong for the English team who had to settle for the Silver Medal.

August saw Gary Lockerbie (Penrith) win the English Amateur Championship at Alwoodley beating fellow squad member Michael Skelton in the 36 hole final.

Ross Fisher (Wentworth) won the Finnish Amateur Championship in Helsinki beating fellow Englishman Gary Wolstenholme in a sudden death play off. The England team won the Nations Cup.

Matthew Richardson (Pinner Hill) came close to winning the International European Amateur Championship at Nairn, but eventually had to settle for the runners up spot.

September saw Elite Squad members Gary Wolstenholme and Michael Skelton along with fellow Englishman Oliver Wilson (Coxmoor) contribute to the magnificent GB&I Walker Cup victory over the U.S.A. at Ganton Golf Club.

The year ended on a disappointing note with England finishing fourth in the Home Internationals at Ballybunion, with the home nation Ireland lifting the title.

Reflecting on the 2003 season EGU Performance Director, Nigel Furniss commented,"I have been hugely impressed by the commitment and success of the Elite Squad this year. The World Class Performance Programme has provided the squad with quality opportunities to train and compete. Their hard work and preparation during training has resulted in some outstanding performances and victories around the world."

"If I had to single out one player in 2003 it would have to be Gary Wolstenholme who once again showed how commitment, dedication and application can produce World Class Performances".

Wolstenholme won the PING/EGU Order of Merit and was named the 2003 PING English Golfer of the Year following an outstanding season.

Zane Scotland, Richard Finch, Jon Lupton and Daniel Wardrop all moved on into the professional game during 2003 and we wish them every success in their future careers.

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